I love the festival scene, but didn't get away this summer to any of the big ones. I was therefore delighted to find in Cardiff last weekend a festival that had the true Glastonbury feel, without the commercialisation.
The Boiler House Graffiti gallery and Tactile Bosch provides a venue that has a vibrant and truly alternative atmosphere, from the art work on the walls to the cushions on the floor, and Brain's hidden room for the kids.
Life drawing classes and creative writing workshops, face painting, and games for adults and kids alike were all on offer as well as healthy and appetising home made veggie food, and reasonably priced bars which served a good range of drinks, including local beers, all at reasonable prices.
The entertainment was imaginatively booked, and included a wide range of bands and acts. From the delicate harmonies and musical subtlety of Rachel Taylor-Beales to the raunchy red hot performance of the Sweet Spots the Boiler House stage rocked, while upstairs on the Tactile Bosch stage there were break dancers, poets, and again a variety of musical treats. The Swansea duo Barry Hole's Hitlist presented a set which certainly hit the spot with me – I will never hear 'Funky Town' or Gary Numan's 'Cars' again without thinking of them. They were side-splittingly funny, as well as knowing exactly what they were about on the musical front. Look out for them. Well worth seeing.
On the strength of what I saw I would recommend the Fair Play Festival to anyone who enjoys a genuine hippy rooted festival experience, I wish Peaceful Progress every success with the future of this event and I certainly intend to go back again next year.
Sue Hamblen is a Cardiff poet. Find out more about Fair Play festival here and the Boiler House here.
