The popular Rhondda Arts Festival Treorchy (RAFT) will return after a one-year hiatus later this month with ‘The Big Weekend’, featuring a day-long music festival, outdoor movie screenings plus food and drinks, stalls and more.
Running throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday to Sunday (August 27-29), the festival will take place at the 2,000 capacity Ystradfechan Recreation Ground, Treorchy, CF42 6UG.
Founded in 2018, and previously headlined by Jools Holland and West End star Kerry Ellis, the 2021 RAFT LIVE! event on Sunday, August 29, will feature soul sensation Mica Paris, X-Factor finalist Lloyd Macey, Wellerman originators The Longest Johns, The Spirit of Boogie – and more.
The two outdoor movie screenings are The Greatest Showman (Friday) and Mamma Mia (Saturday).
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being and Cultural Services, said: “I am delighted to welcome the safe return of Rhondda Arts Festival Treorchy. RAFT has fast become a popular event which celebrates and showcases the wide range of creativity and talent that exists throughout all art forms in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“After what has been a very difficult time, I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable August Bank Holiday weekend here in our County Borough.”
Chris Bryant, RAFT Chair and MP for the Rhondda, said: “I am delighted that after a lot of hard work by our festival staff, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the emergency services and additional partners, that we are now able to announce an exciting, well-managed and COVID-safe Bank Holiday weekend event for all – and goodness knows that after the past year and more, we could certainly all use a good party.”
Craig Roberts, RAFT Festival Director, said: “After an incredibly challenging year for the arts across Wales and beyond, we are thrilled that RAFT is back and that we are able to support local artists and event providers, and to once again draw to Wales and the Rhondda some tremendous visiting artists and events. There’s truly something for everyone at the RAFT Big Weekend.”
The RAFT Big Weekend runs over the Bank Holiday weekend, from August 27-29, at the Ystradfechan Field, Treorchy. To book tickets and for further information, visit the festival website www.raft.cymru and associated social media accounts.
