The Festival started as usual with the Fete. This year it was held in the grounds of Radyr Primary School. The weather was excellent, though the event was held on the playground area as the field was too wet due to the rain of the previous few weeks. We were entertained by the children of both local Primary Schools. As usual the Bar and BBQ were well frequented and a great day was had by all. This year, as there was no Open Gardens, we had a plant stall at the Fete with all profits going to the charity.
The evening saw the first concert of the Festival, organised by Cardiff West Rotary featuring the Castell Coch Choral Society.
Sunday saw the Festival walk, this time a walk around Cowbridge and led by Allan Cook. This was followed in the evening by the Civic Service in Christ Church followed by a reception in the OCR arrange by the Community Council. This was attended by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Our local MP, Kevin Brennan and our MS and previous First Minister, Mark Drakeford.
Thursday evening saw the traditional Tenovus Quiz. This was won by the team which included a number of the RMA organisers of the Festival.
Friday saw the first lunchtime concert and 44 people heard a piano recital by Jordan Walters playing works by Schumann and Beethoven. In the evening we had a Science with a Pint in the OCR. The first talk was by Helen White-Cooper and the topic was how flies are helping us to understand human biology. Ben Newland followed with Sponges as scaffolds, using biomaterials for repairing brains and a final talk was given by Will Crawford on Concrete Canvas. There were very many questions from the audience who thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
Saturday heralded our Party in the Park. The weather was fantastic again and record crowds turned out to hear the bands, drink the real Ale from the bar, eat from the BBQ and have their own picnics.
On Wednesday evening we had our second Wine and Cheese evening with Tom Pinder of the Welsh Cheese Company. This was sold out for the second year in a row. After the tastings of 6 cheeses, Tom this year was selling some of his products which was very popular with the audience.
Thursday was film night which this year was a Gilbert and Sullivan night, The Gondoliers, a production by the Australian Opera. This was also a sell out.
Friday was the day of our second lunchtime concert, a vocal concert with performers from the Welsh College of Music and Drama. This was followed in the evening by a sold out Jazz night. We welcomed back “Cube” and during the evening cheques were presented to Alzheimer’s and Tenovus. This was the remaining funds from the local Twinning group who had closed down after many successful years.
Saturday’s Dog Show was cancelled due to the forecast of rain and thunder during the afternoon. However, a very successful Vintage Tea Party did take place in the OCR.
Sunday saw our final event of the Festival, the closing concert for Alzheimer’s This was an excellent joint concert which featured members of the Mellingriffith, City of Cardiff Brass Band and Sally’s Angels-Radyr, a very recently formed community choir.
The Festival Draw was made during the interval and the top three prize winners were announced.
Radyr and Morganstown Festival 2024
