Valleys Aid gig raises £40,000 for victims of floods
A WEEKEND of Welsh music led by Manic Street Preachers’ James Dean Bradfield saw thousands of pounds raised for the victims of the Storm Dennis floods.
People flocked to The Factory in Porth for Valley Aid on Saturday night to watch acts such as the Manic’s frontman, Ed Sheeran songwriter Amy Wadge, Mike Peters and The Alarm and Andy Fairweather Low, all playing acoustic sets.
The event was for a good cause after thousands of homes were wrecked due to flash flooding in Rhondda, Pontypridd, Blackwood and around the south Wales Valleys.
A total of £28,000 was raised from the evening, with a further £11,000 raised at an event at Noson Clwyb y Bont on Friday, making a total of £40,000.
Charlotte Church was also meant to play at the event but understandably gave it a miss due to her pregnancy.
Writing on Twitter, the Cardiff singer said: “Gutted to have missed it. I’m preggers so I’m erring on the side of caution in terms of virus. It looks like it was a great success.”
There was also a rock auction, which included music memorabilia which went towards the pot – including guitars belonging to James Dean Bradfield, Feeder’s Grant Nicholas and Brian May.
Also writing on Twitter, Amy Wadge wrote: “I was proud to be part of such a wonderful night to be honest.”
Last night, there was another gig taking place called The Green Room Sessions including a line-up of local artists including Kizzy Crawford,
Climbing Trees, Chroma and The People The Poet.
All money raised at the gigs will go towards communities directly affected by the floods.
There was a great reception online for the gigs themselves.
Kate M said: “I might just die happy, Acoustic Motorcycle Emptiness in Wales in a small room. There was weeping.”
Steve Ward said: “Great to see The Factory Porth full with live music again last night... all the artists were superb.”
Darren Griffiths said: “Massive respect to everyone who was part of putting this together last night for a really good cause. Hope you enjoyed it.”