upfront
CARDIFF MARDI GRAS
IT’ S that time of year again that the Cardiff Mardi Gras returns for what is always a truly unique and colourful event that’ s all about individuality, acceptance and respect. Whatever your interests or background, Cardiff Mardi Gras has a lot to offer whether you’ re gay or straight. This year’ s event makes its first appearance at the Millennium Stadium, and despite its size they’ ll be hoping to pack out the venue with revellers keen on taking in the packed programme of entertainment on offer. Rylan Clark, the X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother Star will be acting as your fabulous host for the evening’ s events, whilst soulful diva Beverly Knight will be headlining proceedings with some of her finest hits from six fantastic albums. To save yourself from the anguish of missing such a legend of the British soul scene, you’ ll be well advised to get your ticket in advance. The Lady GaGa Experience also features on the bill. Of course, the queen of quirkiness won’ t be here herself, but the UK’ s No. 1 impersonator will be just as good, right? Probably not, but you’ ll swear she’ s the real thing after a few‘ cheeky vimtos’ anyway. From the current reality talent circuit, you’ ll also find X Factor’ s Diva Fever and The Voice’ s Sean Rumsey blasting out some show-stopping tunes. The event is set to be jam-packed with talent and will also feature gay scene legend Dr Bev, singer Stacey Jackson, self-confessed“ great-looking boyband” Class A, LGBT supporter Frasier Banks, and part-time lawyer rest of the time popstar, Bowie Jane. These guys will all be performing alongside a whole host of other talented acts to ensure that the day isn’ t short of entertainment. The return of the parade will also provide ample opportunity to revel in the proud celebrations, and there’ ll also be a range of informative stalls to peruse during the event. If you’ re looking for somewhere to stay during the festivities, Park Plaza are working in partnership with Cardiff’ s Mardi Gras to offer some special offers for those attending. LAURA RILEY
Cardiff Mardi Gras, Sat 31 Aug, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Tickets: £ 8. Info: www. cardiffmardigras. co. uk
CROISSANT NEUF
TIRED of rancid festival toilets and crowds so big you can’ t even register who’ s playing? Fear not, the perfect festival solution arrives on Thurs 8 Aug with the return of the fantastically named Croissant Neuf Summer Party at a secret location near Usk in Monmouthshire. The festival prides itself on being one of the best kept secrets on the UK festival scene, and catering largely for the family audience, it offers no shortage of activities that range from circus fun to crafts, workshops and therapies whilst maintaining ethical, environmental values. As the winner of the UK’ s Greenest Festival Award for three years running, solar panels and wind generators power the entire festival site. To add to this, 2013 sees the introduction of two shiny new festival pubs serving the finest beers, real ales and ciders for mum and dad to enjoy at the end, or even during, busy days of festival adventure which takes in another fancy dress theme for all to take part in. This year’ s theme of Medieval merriment should provide an abundant array of fantastic costumes. Having been graced by pop royalty, including Ed Sheeran and The Magic Numbers in recent years, the music plays an important part in making CNSP so appealing to so many people. The festival this year includes headliner Natty, a London-based Motown artist fresh from this year’ s Glastonbury performance who also supported reggae star Ziggy Marley on his 2011 US tour. With gypsy folk rockers Gabby Young And Other Animals heading the bill on Sunday and other exciting prospects such as Zervas & Pepper and newcomers Crowns in support, there’ s every reason to rave about the array of musical talent on offer throughout the weekend. With an capacity of just a few thousand, the festival’ s premise, aside from being extremely green, is that of cooperation and friendliness. Resembling a village-like atmosphere in comparison with festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading and V, CNSP creates a far more personal, secure experience. For an alternative, familydriven activity weekend, there’ s no better solution this summer. TOM HOUGHTON
Croissant Neuf Summer Party, Thurs 8-Sun 11 Aug, near Usk, Monmouthshire. Tickets: £ 105. Info: www. croissantneuf. co. uk
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