Could We Use a Festival in Cardiff?

In the last couple of years, we've had a few companies from Cardiff going up to Edinburgh. And like most people who go to Edinburgh, these groups put on preview shows closer to home to warm up. Also, we seem to be blessed with groups of people who have the energy and skills to put on events without needing too much cash.If we picked a week that worked as an Edinburgh preview slot, could we conjure a festival for ourselves?

Obviously, we could, but the question is - why bother? If all these things are going on anyway, why go to the trouble of formalising it into a festival?

For one thing, having a festival happening encourages you to want to put something on. I know for myself that simple writer neuroticism would make me want to get something in the programme, if only for fear of being left out.

For another, it could be easier for small events to get an audience if they're part of a bigger programme and have access to easily targetable and flyerable audiences for other shows.

For a third, if you put on a bunch of plays, you're putting on a bunch of plays. But a festival sounds like a destination for cultural tourism, and that might help unlock sources of funding.

What do you think?

(ps - I'm aware Chapter have their Passion festival in the summer. What I'm thinking about is something city-wide, so that if you have a small piece you want to do, and you can get the team, and you can get some cafe bar to let you have the space, you can put your piece on by yourself, and plug into the festival's publicity & programme)

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Permalink Reply by Claudio Laurini on July 21, 2009 at 2:57
i can't resist the temptation to plug plug plug... :-)
FOUND REALITY is going up to EDINBURGH and warming up in Cardiff on WEDNESDAY 29th JULY @Welsh College! http://www.foundrealitytheatre.co.uk for info and bookings!!! thank you guys, love you!!
Claud
Permalink Reply by Jonathan Ash on October 21, 2009 at 9:53
Having lived in Manchester for most of my life and seeing the 24/7 Festival first hand I really think it is a format which can be replicated in any city with a vibrant theatre scene. I've only been living in Cardiff for a month having moved here to train at Royal Welsh, but from what I've seen so far I think a festival, in particular new writing could really work.

Personally I'd like to see a festival showcasing new writing and short films.

Another point of research may be the 'Not Part Of' Festival, which acts as a fringe festival to the Manchester International Festival.
Permalink Reply by Townhill Theatre on October 28, 2009 at 5:59
Hi Gary,
My name is Beth Jones and I work with the Swansea Fringe festival. It is currently running at the moment over this fortnight.
http://www.dylanthomasfringe.com/
If you would like to find out a bit more check out our website.


I totally agree with you about grouping all these events into a festival, as apart from everything else, it creates more awareness about the events taking place. It would be fantastic to be involved in another festival that brings more art and culture to the Wales and not let Scotland have all the credit constantly.
I am an event coordinator and would live to get involved with a Cardiff festival (I lived there for 5 years so i know the city very well)

If you would be interested in my involvement let me know.


Beth Jones BA

Theatre Venue Administrator
Gweinyddwraig Lleoliad Theatr
Townhill Theatre

Swansea Metropolitan University / Prifysgol Fetropolitan Abertawe
One of the UK’s Newest Universities / Un o Brifysgolion Diweddaraf y D.U.

Ffôn / Tel: 01792 482054
e-bost/email: beth.jones1@smu.ac.uk
Permalink Reply by Kenon Man on October 29, 2009 at 0:44
Isn't there are pre-fringe festival as part of the Cardiff Summer Festival (Strawberries)in partnership with RWCMD?
Permalink Reply by Kenon Man on October 29, 2009 at 0:47
Whoops already mentioned.
Permalink Reply by Peter Gregory on November 15, 2009 at 22:33
Cardiff festival does have a mini finge which is basically Welsh college shows- however I know a few years back it did try and expand on this but there didn't seem much interest- if there is now a greater interest perhaps its worth a conversation with the events team at he cuncil to see if other events could tie in.
Permalink Reply by Bridie Doyle-Roberts on November 19, 2009 at 1:22
We need a festival!
Permalink Reply by Kevin Johnson on November 25, 2009 at 2:51
As Beth Jones said above, there's already a festival in Swansea, which has got a bit of a pedigree. It goes back a few decades and even saw early debuts from people like Paul Merton. The Fringe used to be the 2nd biggest in Britain and has been rejuvenated in recent years. So no need to re-invent the wheel.

And the best thing is it's only 30 miles down the road!
Permalink Reply by Peter Harding-Roberts on December 5, 2009 at 9:29
I think you are approaching this from the wrong end. There is a Cardiff Festival and (I anticipate) they would welcome any production or group of productions to come under their banner. And why not the sub banner of "fringe". They welcomed The Lord Chamberlain's Men after all. And they are also to welcome to have the pro/am Everyman Summer Theatre Festival (of which I am Chairman) under its banner. Incidentally we are looking for 2F, 2M Welsh speaking actors circa mid 20s(no pay!) for yet another (professionally directed) new venture. A Welsh language primary school production - Gair am Air by Tim Baker.

Of course putting together - and expanding - a festival is bloody hard work. We are doing Much Ado, HMS Pinafore, Winnie the Pooh - in addition to Gair am Air. We hope to attract over 10,000 people to our festival at St Fagans in July. It may not be my day job but I am more than happy to offer advice, having been involved in festivals for over 20 years. peter@harding-roberts.fsnet.co.uk

P.S. Auditions at the end of February.

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