Party on the Pitch Review 2011!

Whilst the raindrops soaked the Welsh countryside during the middle of summer its fair to say that any downpours failed to dampen the spirits of the 2500-plus whom were literally singing in the rain at the 2011 Party on the Pitch event.

Whilst man has evolved to the point they can control almost anything, the one thing we have yet to get to grips with is the weather. Yet despite June’s expected sunshine failing to appear any disappointment was washed away with the rain as the entire congregation had the time of their lives during an event that has quickly become a must-attend event in the County.

The fourth annual Party on the Pitch extravaganza was yet another success for Tycroes RFC, the event again displaying the core qualities that have made it an unreserved success in the short time it has been running; namely music and fun for all ages from the toddler to the pensioner. With improvements made with each year that passes, this year it was the new and impressive stage that took centre spot. With dimensions and a lighting system more accustomed to major venues rather than the middle of rural Wales, it was the perfect accompany to the raw talent that was show for over 10 hours.

As always the event was created with the motto “Something for everyone” in mind and the line-up didn’t disappoint. With the occasional downpour during sets, the event had a festival feel best encapsulated by the fun-loving middle aged women dancing in front of the stage without a care in the world, their own personal mosh pit. Beginning at midday, The Rookz kicked things off with their exciting set as their music was the perfect welcome to all those making their way through the gates and onto the field. Followed up by the Juzu Kings, Peepshow, Cherry Beats, Bus Stop, The Untouchables and the local legends Fat Barry’s Soul Band, the day quickly flew as the intoxicating blend of various musical styles for all of the equally talent musicians filled the Valley air.

Two acts which seem to have made a stir with revellers were the incredible Jemma Krysa and rookies Carbon. Fresh from performing across the pond in Chicago Jemma performed during one of the monsoon-like downpours and her velvet tones were almost apt with the picturesque surroundings, many people stopping what they were doing in a double-take at the voice emanating from the giant stage. Carbon were performing in the Marquee during changeovers on the main stage and such was the impression the youngsters made on those within hearing distance there has been a groundswell of support and a clamouring to see them on the main stage next year. As always Party on the Pitch is proud to play a part in helping the careers of local and promising young talent.

The announcement of Twenty Twenty being present never needed to be made as the first glimpse of the up and coming band was met with the kind of girly screeching one would imagine is the norm at a 1970′s Tom Jones concert. After miraculously managing to wring themselves free of an adoring teenage fanbase the young lads worked their way through their new hits and can be considered an unqualified success as well as making an impression on staff with their manners and politeness.

Wrapping things up just after 10pm were the incredible and innovative Bon Jovi Experience, their covers and eerie imitation of the original Rock and Roll Legend going down a storm and the perfect way to send off a happy crowd into the night. Seeing the crowd sing along to the cult hit “Living on a Prayer” will rank as one of the greatest festival moments in South Wales, a great occasion enjoyed by all whom witnessed it.

The main talking point apart from the impressive stage and those who rocked the pitch from it was the unfathomably high and incredibly thrilling fair ride that reached so far into the sky one may wonder whether its to blame for opening the heavens! The faces on those coming off the ride told the story, a mixture of adrenaline and happiness as well as uncertainty on their feet going some way to explain the sheer audacity of such a ride that swings you around like a constant catapult. The other noisy and exhilarating ride present was last years popular attraction “the Sizzler” which as the name suggests was not for the faint hearted. Various other stalls such as the popular trampoline, the tattoo stall, the children’s bouncy castle and the infamous Brian Moore’s mouth were also hubs of activity whilst there was an ever-present demand for food from the plethora of food stalls present. Gigantic double cheeseburgers, cones of chips and the incredible hog-roast were regularly being gorged on and washed down with a cool refreshing pint from the quick service beer marquee.

With the organisers acting on people’s issues from last year and improving the bar and the stage the day was a success regardless of weather and again ensured that countless people were discussing their day across social network sites and the breakfast table the following morning. Many testimonials were placed onto the Official Party on the Pitch page almost as soon as the event was finished including Josh Rees stating he “had a brilliant day ,top class and that fair ground ride was mental!” and Jack Hale praising the artists by announcing “all the bands were amazing”. Gaynor Morris also praised the acts by branding them all “top notch”. Whether you were pretending to be a Welsh number 9 at the Brian Moore mouth or sampling a unique view of the Brecon Beacons from high above the ground on the fair ride all took away fun-filled memories to last them a lifetime. Or at least until next year when it all begins again!

Remember to visit the official facebook page here to see the latest pictures as well as bookmarking the official website www.thepartyonthepitch.com