THIS past weekend, the In It Together festival made a bold and welcome debut, and has already established a new standard for events in Wales. It’s the result of an experienced team that simply wanted a big old celebration for all the family and all types of people after a difficult couple of years, and boy, do they deliver.
The location at Old Park Farm in Port Talbot, near to Margam Park, is like an infinite playground, complete with fire breathers, wild and colourful characters, hay bail stacks, endless food trucks, a variety of drinks, and plenty of extra entertainment. This features a circus tent, children’s performers, a funhouse, a gigantic Guess Who, Connect 4, beanbags, and a bouncy castle to give them all a weekend to remember.
Adults have an almost limitless number of musical alternatives to choose from. On Friday, Gabrielle stole the show with some incredible sunset vibes, while the circus came to town and Armand Van Helden performed an epic set of New York house at the renowned Panchaia. The eager crowd ate up every beat, and the production was fantastic, with great-looking stages, huge lights, lasers, and, of course, powerful sound systems.
There are numerous camping alternatives available, catering to everyone from families with young children to people who are unlikely to sleep much. It’s comfortable and well-equipped, so you’ll have plenty of time to unwind before heading out on days two and three.
After beautiful weather on the first day, the rest of the weekend was marred by wind and rain, but it didn’t damper spirits. The crowd erupted in applause for Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds, who sang along to all of the key choruses and rocked out to Noel’s massive riffs. Other noteworthy sets included Two Door Cinema Club and a stunning sunset session from the one and only Gabrielle, and the sound delivered them all loud and clear.
On a big screen, seeing Wales play Ukraine in a crucial World Cup qualifier will be one of the best experiences. It was a friendly and community minded moment that really summed up the special togetherness vibe of this new and vital addition to Wales festival landscape.
