PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Taking Back Sunday are to headline the rejuvenated Merthyr Rock festival, which returns to the grounds of Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil, on Sunday 17 August.
Now operated by Wales’ largest independent promoter Orchard Entertainment – who took over from previous operators Hay Festivals – the third edition of Merthyr Rock will take place on one day, as the event looks to re-establish itself on the festival calendar following a break in 2013.
Other acts confirmed for the returning fest include Californian ska-punks Reel Big Fish, Pennsylvanian punk rockers Anti Flag and hometown heroes The Blackout, who return to the Merthyr Rock stage, having performed at the inaugural festival in 2011 and curated the second stage in 2012.
Dave Driscoll of Orchard Entertainment commented:
“This is our first year running the event and we feel that the quality of international acts which we’ve secured for Merthyr Rock shows our ambition for the event for 2014 and beyond. We want to see the festival grow in to something that the town of Merthyr can be proud of, something that becomes synonymous with the area, and a quality event which will attract rock fans from across the country to the South Wales valleys.”
Sean Smith of The Blackout said of the band’s third appearance at the event:
“We are very excited that Merthyr Rock is BACK and with one of its best lines ups to date! It is mind blowing that we get chance to see this fantastic line up come to our hometown, let alone play on it! It’s going to be an unbelievable day of music and entertainment for South Wales, not just Merthyr Tydfil! It’s amazing to have an event of such magnitude happening on our doorstep. Merthyr moshers unite! I’ll see you in the pit.”
Further acts festival will be announced in the following months, as well as details of the various Fringe activities that will precede the main event.
Tickets for Merthyr Rock 2014 are priced at £25 (+ standard booking fee), and go on sale from Thursday 17 April from www.merthyrrock.com, from Ticketline UK on 02920 230130 and Spillers Records in Cardiff.
