Let's leave aside a certain parked car. This year's Top Dre held on June 30th was without doubt the best in recent times. Maybe not as good as the originals but still up there. Most evening venues were well supported with the exception of the Mart where Trwbz tried to entice young people.. who didn't come, not in any volume. Young people are usually the problem category of Top Dre.
And, talking of young people, there were very few children around at Top Dre. They weren't all in the designated area at St Peter's.
Dafydd Iwan's return to Rhuthun/Ruthin was much, much appreciated, as people were able to sign along to the old favourites. The organisers should try to finish with some established names but we do understand this is difficult as it will likely clash with other events.
The folk band was good. But the stars of the show, IMHO, was Bagad which in Breton simply means "Band". It's quite a simple formula but it added a splash of colour and a different tradition. They're no strangers to Top Dre. This time, though, soloists played the national anthem and Calon Lân, both to much appreciation. Did any of the older members of Bagad come over for the first and some of the subsequent festivals? It would be nice to think that they had.
It was, of course, the 25th anniversary of the twinning and of Top Dre itself. On that note, it's hearty congratulations to the event organisers. Pity, though, that their website was inoperative before and throughout the week's festival. It really does need sorting for next year.
And then there was Skariad, a top-class act from north east Wales, with at least two performers from Rhuthun. No one to whom I spoke said anything other than good things about Skariad. They'll be playing at this year's Graigaid, BTW.
The folk band was good. But the stars of the show, IMHO, was Bagad which in Breton simply means "Band". It's quite a simple formula but it added a splash of colour and a different tradition. They're no strangers to Top Dre. This time, though, soloists played the national anthem and Calon Lân, both to much appreciation. Did any of the older members of Bagad come over for the first and some of the subsequent festivals? It would be nice to think that they had.
It was, of course, the 25th anniversary of the twinning and of Top Dre itself. On that note, it's hearty congratulations to the event organisers. Pity, though, that their website was inoperative before and throughout the week's festival. It really does need sorting for next year.