hip hop group Goldie Lookin Chain
GLC will headline Crowfest in July 2024 Credit: Goldie Lookin Chain

Crow Fest headliners Goldie Lookin’ Chain have played all over the world but how did they feel when they had the call to play Cwmbran Stadium?

Rhys from GLC tells me: “Do you know what, we’ve been waiting to play Cwmbran Stadium for like probably 15 years or something.

“Some of the boys went to see Manchester United and Eastenders at Cwmbran Stadium in like 1985 or something daft. So it’s like a legendary thing, a legendary place. And obviously, we’ve got a soft spot for Cwmbran so yes, it’s awesome that we’re finally getting to do it, to actually get into the stadium.”

This interview was carried out thanks to the support of Cwmbran Community Council.

I asked him if there was any rivalry between Cwmbran and Newport? There is no real rivalry but they do like our town centre.

“Obviously, Cwmbran being a New Town was able to design itself and built itself so they could get the parking right and they’ve got a lot of the shops.”

He joked: “Some people suggest Newport is a lot better since they’ve closed all the shops. I’m not convinced.

“Cwmbran is a cool place, one of those places if you’re not from Cwmbran and you go into the town centre you walk around and it just blows your mind. You can’t figure out where you’re going. It’s a bonkers layout, but it’s pretty cool.”

Eight acts will take to the stage on Saturday 20 July and Rhys is looking forward to the line-up.

“I know 2Rude are on and they’re a massive party band. They’ll be massively entertaining. You know you’re going to have a good time with them.”

I tell him that he’s sharing a bill with Darren ‘Graceland’ Jones.

“You’re joking me, there is an Elvis tribute? This gets better. 

“It’s going to be a fun day out. We’ll just come out and play a load of hip hop that is representative of the 90s and it’ll be a party vibe. We’re just there to have a good time and enjoy ourselves and hopefully everyone else will have a good time as well.”

Cwmbran Van Hire

I was prepared for part of this interview to feature a wind-up or two. I’m gullible and love a good story, even if it’s not true so if you work for Cwmbran Van Hire here’s your chance of a bit of exposure at my expense.

Rhys said: “I was hoping to be fully representing Cwmbran Van Hire but they haven’t come through with the t-shirts they promised me yet. So we’ll have to wait and see about them.”

I asked whether or not The Fresh Prince of Cwmbran is on GLC’s Crow Fest set list?

In a possible wind up to Cwmbran’s most gullible journalist, he said: “I’m hoping we’re gonna do that one yeah. It’s just a very complicated rap, lots of words so we’ll have to try and re-learn it because when you’ve been in the rap game as long as we have some of the raps get quite complicated. We’re older, we’re not getting any younger.”

And why does Rhys think tickets for Crow Fest should be snapped up?

He said: “The main reason they should buy a ticket for £5 is because it’s £5. You won’t see a gig with this many bands on it and have this much for less money than that. When I found out it was £5, I was like ‘have they made mistake?’ £5? This is insane. It’s local. You can literally walk there. Get involved. It’s Cwmbran’s Glastonbury, that’s what it is.”

Goldie Lookin’ Chain will play at Crow Fest along with Travis George , Gypsy Pistoleros, Appletree Theory, Capital City Jazz, 2Rude, Tobias Robertson, Darren ‘Graceland’ Jones and No One Knows.

Crow Fest tickets

Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Click here to visit the events page.

Tickets are £5.94 each (includes a 94p booking fee). A ticket for an adult with an under 18 is £7 (includes £1.01 booking fee).

Crow Fest is being organised by  Cwmbran Community Council to celebrate the New Town’s 75th anniversary.

Crow Fest- important information

Food and drink will be on sale. Anyone who looks under 25 will be asked for ID if they want to buy alcohol.

The festival is on the outdoor pitch so suitable footwear must be worn. High heels or chairs won’t be allowed. Festival goers are welcome to bring picnic blankets.

Crow Fest runs from 2pm to 10pm. Last entry 7pm.