PAMFEST 2009 @ THE CROW'S NEST ARENA

Great music, food, beer and the odd SPAM DAGGER

“Just a few acoustic bands, some friends and family, a BBQ and a couple of beers”, Andy `The Fracture` Edwards had said; but those who know him know he doesn’t do low key events.

A couple turned into 10 bands, 100+ revellers and an all day musical extravaganza at Morfa Bay Adventure’s Crow’s Nest facility this Halloween.

The day got underway at 2pm with Ian Frog’s Yasgur’s Farm. Fresh from a sell out gig at the New Three Mariners in Laugharne supported by Two Fat Cyclists the previous evening the farm played 10 songs in their opening set of this inaugural PAMFEST.

Yasgur’s Farm (left) & the X Factor Panel (with Cheryl on far left)

After the Yasgur’s it was the turn of the Starcross Lovers, Iannis and Eoghan the banjo. For the purposes of clarity I have been asked to point out that only one half of the band is from Starcross and they are not lovers either apparently. “Nothing like that going on here”

Starcross Lovers

(Iannis and the back of Eoghan’s head)

Next up were Humble Hybel who hail from Aberystwyth, they performed a great hour long set of original acoustic music which the crowd loved. They were followed by Ceri Mile End from Llanddowror.

Humble Hybel

Ceri and friends

John Wright & D W Griffiths (Meurig) were next on the bill. Unfortunately DW is still operating on British Summer Time being a native of Llanmiloe and arrived fashionably late. In the interim John was joined by John Mile End on harp ahead of DW’s arrival. John Mile End then played a quick set with Mr Huw Balti.

John Wright and John Mile End (Left)

Fiddle and Banjo

Fiddle and Banjo were up next with three quick tunes. Something of a hastily convened ensemble, a truly `for one night only experience` possibly with Jackie on fiddle, The Fracture on bass (seated) and Phil the Goat on banjo.

The Yasgur’s did a second set and then on came East Wallian power duo The Spam Daggers. The Daggers line up was Big Fat Gay `Howling` Uncle Lyndon and The Ginger Diaphragm (Gareth from Narberth). Up tempo power rock got everybody up and dancing and the night suddenly had the feel of a stadium concert.

The Daggers first set was cut short by The Fracture who wanted to bring on The Frank Jenkins Experience. Uncle Lyndon’s wife, Aunty Fran with several tins of Strongbow on board was having none of it though. “Is that it” she screamed, The Fracture hands up with palms facing forwards in a pleading, don’t hurt me please sort of pose promised another set to end “they can headline”. This seemed to placate the Bow monster for the time being.

Spam Daggers, going full tilt with maximum diaphragm engagement

The Frank Jenkins experience (minus Frank) with DW Griffiths on percussion continued the up tempo feel of the later part of the event. Lead guitarist Keef `dodgy digit` Rudd recently lopped orf the tip of his pinkie on his fret hand in a bizarre tree felling incident. Several hours of re constructive surgery and 10 weeks of physio and special treatment from wife Gale have seen a remarkable recovery and all digits seemed to be working to order.

The Frank Jenkins Experience AKA The Dodgy Digits (Minus Frank but with DWG)

Our thanks must go to all that helped set up and run this year’s PAMFEST, all the musicians who gave so freely of their time and of course all those that attended and support the event by buying food and drink from us. All our fund raising efforts as you may be aware are going towards Diabetes UK, our chosen charity.

Some of the revellers:-