The Valleys town has been undergoing something of a resurgence, thanks in part to the Merthyr Rising Festival. Fedor Tot speaks to organiser Lyn Williams about its ethos and significance.
A place like Merthyr Tydfil is not the most well-off in the UK. How important are festivals like Merthyr Rising for providing an uplift?
It’s important for a few factors. Economically, we’re attracting people from not only the UK but the States as well – people are to coming to Merthyr Rising not only for the music but for the politics, and that’s had an economic impact on our town. There’s also a cultural impact. Collectively, it’s having a really positive effect on the town and there’s a good vibe here at the moment.
If a festival like this can encourage engagement with young people and the arts and politics now, what do you think that means 10-20 years down the line?
It means quite a lot – I think you alluded to this earlier, that Merthyr has a perception of being somewhere that isn’t economically thriving. What it can do is inspire people and give them the energy and the creativity to do things, which paints the town in a different light and can change it, culturally and economically – not just here, but the Valleys as well. The Valleys do have something to offer, and through discussion and ideas we can create a better environment for years to come.
What is Merthyr Rising doing differently?
We’re creating a community – we’ve started this as a community, as a grassroots festival. We’ve had support from our sponsors, and this is the first year we’ve had support from the government, but from its launch it was done on a grassroots level by people who actually cared about the history of our town and what it stood for. Basically, the story that our town has to offer is the story of the Red Flag [the Merthyr Uprising of 1831]. It’s something that hasn’t been told and hasn’t been shared for generations.
Are there any moments that stand out for you as highlights from previous line-ups?
Last year, we had Alabama 3 taking the stage as the main headline act on the Sunday carrying the Red Flag. The lead singer Larry Love is a Merthyr boy – it was kind of emotional. It was a great atmosphere and for me it made it all worth it.
What do you think is the most exciting about Merthyr Rising this year?
Opening with Michael Sheen and closing with The Alarm, I couldn’t think of a better opening for the fit and the ethos of the festival. I also couldn’t think of a better band to close with for the festival either.
If you could recommend one unique place in Wales to a first-time visitor that not many people know about, where would it be and why?
Morlais Quarry, just north of Merthyr – it’s a place I go quite regularly with beautiful views, I go there to have a break. It’s a great place to get away, and to shoot the band videos as well actually!
Merthyr Rising, Penderyn Square, Merthyr Tydfil, Fri 25-Sun 27 May. Tickets: £40 weekend/£15-£20 per day. Info: www.merthyrrising.uk
