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GraigAid Festival, Ruthin Gaol
Rollicking Welsh folk-rockers Y Moniars top the bill at a North Wales music event, celebrating its 10th birthday this month. While some festivals have bitten the dust in the credit crunch, GraigAid charity gig Gaolhouse Rock rolls on at Ruthin Gaol on Saturday, June 20.
Y Moniars' lively fusion of Celtic tunes and foot-stomping rock'n'roll will have the gaol jumping, according to GraigAid veteran Mike Kendrick.
He said: "We can't spell it Jailhouse Rock as we might run into trouble with Elvis' estate but it's great news that Y Moniars are coming.
"They have agreed to play by special request. They guarantee a great atmosphere and dancing will be compulsory.
"This bunch bring their own party and we're thrilled to be invited.
"Like all the bands they appear for free - and they really are the dream topping on a fantastic lineup this year."
GraigAid, which began at the Three Pigeons in Graigfechan in 2000, has raised over £55,000 for local charities, mostly North Wales hospices - Hope House/T Gobaith, St Kentigern's and Nightingale House.
The music festival's first five years were spent at the Three Pigeons before it moved to Ruthin's Cae Ddol for two years, and this is now its third time in the Old Gaol.
"It's a brilliant venue," said Mike who has played at GraigAid every year, with various bands.
"We've got a great sound system thanks to another stalwart of the event, Charlie Goodfellow, and the acoustics there are mind-blowing.
"It's got a great atmosphere too so the bands love it and so does the audience."
Gethin Foulkes, another founder-performer of the original concert in the Three Pigeons said: "It's always a lot of fun, and amazing to have helped raise that much money for charity. Come along and enjoy yourselves - it's going to be great."
The lineup includes Gethin with his band The Sublimes, as well as Mike Kendrick's Shambolix, who combine R'n'B with Irish Ceilidh. Other familiar faces are also returning for another dose of feelgood music.
Also on the bill this year are young Mold-based indie sensations The Lupin Thieves and Wirral's funky The Groovy Wonderband, a 10-piece party funk band playing disco hits, pop and classic disco soul floor fillers.
There will be five live bands plus young Ruthin singer-songwriter Chessie Reece, as well as a bar, food, and as usual all proceeds go to local charities.
The event starts at 6pm and runs until 11pm and tickets, priced at £10, are now available online at www.graigaid.com. Alternatively you can purchase them at either Elfair in Clwyd Street or the Crown House Café.
The event starts at 6pm and runs until 11pm. Tickets £10, available at www.graigaid.com.
