Merthyr Rock 2014

At the end of the summer in 2011 & 2012 there was a large crowd gathering at Cyfartha Castle in Merthyr Tydfil for what would shake the South Wales Valleys rock scene, for years to come! Merthyr Rock was and once again is an upcoming event which is rock music lovers from all across the UK have come to love.

In August/September, 2011, the three day festival included bike stunts, fireworks and a DJ set from Ian Watkins(Before it all came out that he was not a nice person), The Blackout, Goldie Lookin Chain, Funeral For A Friend,  Skindred.
The weather was brilliant for the festival and the standard was set for years to come, with the beer flowing and the sun shining, it could rival some of the bigger festivals, and the price was a lot cheaper than the larger festivals with some of the same bands playing them, so what was not to like? Nothing in my eyes, it was a brilliant atmosphere, the staff was friendly and you had numerous chances to meet the bands and win competitions.

Embracing the sun in 2012

Then that time of year came around again in 2012, when Merthyr Rock was back to rock n' roll like there was no tomorrow. This year you had the opportunity to gain an internship, this was a must for anyone who was looking to get into the music scene. However I went to apply and found out that I had to be 16, god damn being 15 at the time!

An ex and I meeting Sean Smith from The Blackout in 2012

The line up this time included once again Skindred as they were a massive hit from the year before and really knew how to get the crowd going! It also included Kids In Glass Houses, Saves The Day, Yashin and Deaf Havana. The crowds were larger than the previous year as news had got out that it was a brilliant, day or three depending on how many bands you'd want to see. But for the one day with twenty bands playing for a ticket price of £20 you can't exactly go wrong with it working out at £1 per band!

Both years were a massive success or so it seemed, but come 2013, we got told the news that there would be no Merthyr Rock this year due to 'economic problems' this came as a massive shock to all the previous goers and those who they informed that it was a good time and that there would be one this year without a fail because of the sheer success of it all.
Later in 2013 we then found out that there was no need to worry as it was coming back in 2014! As you can imagine, for months on end fans of the festival have been on edge wondering if they are true to their word and who will be on the line up for 2014.

The first four bands of the line up so far have been announced and it looks like it's set to upstage previous years with Taking Back Sunday doing an UK exclusive and Anti Flag celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year! However, there is one or two downsides this year, and that is that it is only for one day instead of the three, and the price has been put up. But in light of previous problems it is totally understandable. They've also pushed the date from the last weekend in August to the 17th, which can only mean one thing! More sun!

On the barrier for most of the night in 2012

Overall I'm excited for this years and can't wait to see what other bands are going to be added to the line up!