Aberystwyth University sponsors Maes B

Aberystwyth University is a keen supporter of the Welsh music scene as sponsor of Maes B and Gowbrau’r Selar

This summer and for the third year running, Aberystwyth University will be sponsoring Maes B, Wales’ premier Welsh language music festival which takes place in Cardiff Bay from 8-11 August.

With less than three months to go before the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff this year, organisers have announced the line-ups for Maes B and several bands have close links with Aberystwyth University.

As the details were announced, Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Welsh Language and Culture and External Engagement at Aberystwyth University, said: “This is undoubtedly the biggest annual event of the Welsh music scene and Aberystwyth University is delighted to lend its support as main sponsor. Maes B provides a showcase for the scene’s top musical talent and it is fitting for us as a University to support an event which gives thousands of young people in Wales the opportunity to enjoy the very best of contemporary Welsh artists.”

Organiser Guto Brychan, said: “It’s great to announce the line-ups for Maes B, and we are delighted that the festival will be held in Cardiff Bay, close to all the other Eisteddfod activities.

“We’ve got strong and varied line-ups this year, combining some of the biggest names in the scene with newer artists like Los Blancos, Cadno and Serol Serol, creating evenings which will appeal to fans of all the different genres of music in the scene at the moment.

“Maes B is a very important stage for the Welsh scene, and is a chance for the audience to hear new and alternative bands on the same line-up as more famous names. This can only be a healthy thing for the scene.

It’s fair to say that every band and artist gigging in Wales has dreamed of headlining Saturday night at Maes B during their careers. 

This year sees Yr Eira take the coveted slot. Lead singer and Aberystwyth University alumnus Lewys Wyn, said: “It’s good to be able to announce that we’ll be closing Saturday night at the 2018 Eisteddfod.

“Over the past few years, this slot has grown to be one of the most – if not the most memorable - night in the Welsh calendar, so it’s an honour to be headlining this year.  We’re not going to break any records like Yws Gwynedd did last year but I’m sure there’ll be a few exciting surprised this year, so bring your grandmother, grandfather and hamster, as this will be a party to remember!”

2018 Maes B Line-ups:
Wednesday 8 August: Band Pres Llareggub, Y Cledrau, Cadno, Gwilym
Thursday 9 August: Yr Ods, HMS Morris, Omaloma, Serol Serol
Friday 10 August: Y Reu, Mellt, Chroma, Los Blancos
Saturday 11 August: Yr Eira, Cpt Smith, Adwaith, Brwydr y Bandiau Winners

Maes B is also working on a new project in collaboration with Clwb Ifor Bach, organising workshops aimed at 16-25 year old women interested in music. The Merched yn Neud Miwsig sessions are held in Clwb Ifor Bach and Galeri during June.  Go to the location websites to book your place.

The Eisteddfod has already announced that the main act on the open air stage on Friday evening is Diffiniad, and details of all music line-ups will be published soon.

Maes B operates and enforces a strict Challenge 25 policy, and valid ID must be shown.  Details on acceptable forms of ID can be found on the Validate UK website, and these include a current full or provisional driving licence (with photo), current valid passport (no photocopies) or a Proof of Age Standards Scheme card (with PASS hologram).

Maes B tickets go on sale at 10:00 on Tuesday 29 May.  Go to www.maesb.com for more information or ring 0845 4090 800.  Early bird tickets available until 30 June.  For more information on the Eisteddfod, go to www.eisteddfod.wales.

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