Churches are places of devotion, shrines to gods and saints that inspire and offer spiritual guidance. In Cardiff, a number of ex-churches have been put to other uses. Rainbow Bargain on Albany Road is now a discount store, but much of the building remains unchanged, including the pulpit which stands next to the birthday card section (if memory serves). The Gate Arts Centre is another such conversion, but in the Gate’s case, it remains a place of devotion and a shrine, but to the various arts rather than more ecclesiastic pursuits.
September brings Hoyfest to the Gate. No, it’s not a fan club for Scottish cyclists or even Orkney rock formations, but rather a repeat of 2016’s raucous rock rave up. Founded by Sam Hoy, the eponymous event brings together a selection of up and coming musical talent for a one-day festival in the heart of Cardiff.
The Gate has previous experience with this sort of thing. Not only did they host last year’s edition of the festival, but they are also home to Wales Goes Pop!, a similar slice of musical indulgence that hits town every Easter. The 400-capacity venue itself is a thing of beauty and the main auditorium, with its semi-circle of wooden church pews, makes every performer the centre of attention. For Hoyfest, the central area will be the dancefloor while the seating becomes a place to refresh the legs. Starting at 12:30pm and taking in 16 acts, it could be a tiring effort without a tactical timeout.
In terms of who’s playing, you’re talking about some stars of the future if the curation of talent for last year is anything to go by. Acts include exciting Welsh talent such as Estrons and Himalayas, while Vida evoke memories of 90s Oasis or Verve. The headliners, Pretty Vicious, are arguably close to the big time already. Without an album to their name, they’ve already supported the Manics and the Stereophonics, as well as having 500,000 views of their Cave Song video. A musical treat awaits the congregation.
Hoyfest, The Gate, Cardiff, Sat 30 Sept. Tickets: £15. Info: 029 2048 3344 / www.thegate.org.uk
words MAX HARVEY