|
| The Background Wa Bala was originally sited on the shores of Lake Tegid (where the monster lives). The Bala lake monster can often be sighted here at dawn. He has a very long beard and wears a cowboy hat, and sometimes even a kilt! The event at this time was named the ‘Harvest drowning Festival’ (What a load of bollocks!) The bands who performed that year were BRIGYN, PALA, PAPA GINI, with MEINIR GWILYM topping the bill (although she was only about fourteen at the time!) Five hundred revellers turned up for a thoroughly enjoyable night and the present organisers realised then that the seeds had been sown for an annual event. At this time many individuals came to the fore as voluntary and enthusiastic helpers. Somebody had to keep an eye on the Marquee overnight (Where the BAR was!) Three likely lads volunteered and played poker all night. These were ‘Swiss the flush Tony’, ‘John the Snot Ship’, and ‘Dei John the trump’. Why anyone in their right minds would ask these three idiots to look after a bar all night remains a mystery. Comparable to asking three foxes to keep an eye on a chicken coop. Wa Bala 2005 The festival was relocated on The Green. A massive Marquee (140x40ft) was hired. ELIN FFLUR topped the bill on the Friday and the bands on Saturday included BRIGYN, PAPA GINI, FRIZBEE and CELT. It was a fantastic night. The crowds kept coming and by 10 o’ clock we had to make a mad dash for more lager. (Although Em Gelli the head barman had said we had more than enough – pillock!) Wa Bala 2006 Again on the Green and after lengthy discussions with the building regulation people and the health and safety brigade, the Marquee had to be securely anchored down in case the predicted 80mph winds arrived. And so, on the Thursday, 50tons of weights were gathered to secure the great pavilion to the earth. However, by Friday night we were flying (not literally). The weather was great and a fantastic weekend was had by all. RADIO CYMRU were broadcasting from the site and WA BALA was truly on the map where live gig events are concerned. Taking the Piss Wa Bala has certainly grown in three years. Check out the statistics below. |
2004 |
2006 |
| Crowd = 480. Marquee = 30tr -60tr Bar Staff = 8 (+2 pissed) Stewards = 8 & 1/2 Cost = £2,300.00 |
Crowd = 4,300 Marquee = 50tr -150tr Bar Staff = 36. Stewards = 45 Cost = £29,000.00 |
