Buzz Magazine September 2013

roundup WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH. EVENT pic: ALAN LEVINE Booked Up pic: ©DAVID NEALE ? SOUTH WALES SECRETS #36: Pontneddfechan “There is always a buzz about the BAFTA Cymru awards... and now we’re getting closer to it I think the sense of excitement is really building.” When Sian isn’t moving around for her job she enjoys walking with her family in the Vale Of Neath. “There’s a place called Pontneddfechan. I think it’s a place that tells the story of Wales quite well because there once was a lot industrial activity taking place there, but now you can see the relics of that industry and its past as you walk through some lovely countryside. “There are two rivers that converge and create an amazing waterfall there. In English it’s called ‘Waterfall of the Snow’, in Welsh it’s called ‘Sgwd yr Eira’. You can actually stand behind that waterfall which is a really exhilarating experience.” BBC journalist and BAFTA Cymru host Sian Lloyd reveals her South Wales Secret. Though Sian was born in Bangor, North Wales and travels across the UK for her work, she considers Cardiff to be her home. “There’s a lot going on all the time and its constantly changing”, Sian explains. “You get the best of both worlds with Cardiff because you’ve got the really great city, where there’s so much to do. We live just a few miles outside Cardiff and can be in central Cardiff in just 20-30 minutes yet we have lovely countryside all around us.” On top of presenting BBC Breakfast and travelling the UK as the host of Crimewatch Roadshow, this year Sian has been asked to host the BAFTA Cymru awards in Cardiff. “It’s a huge honour to be involved in the BAFTA process as somebody who works in the industry, and I have been working in the industry in Wales for about 15 years”, she says. With the new format of the Cowbridge Book Festival running events throughout the year, September takes us into the Autumn Series. This month offers the opportunity to meet renowned authors and get an inside look into their latest works. Doctor Who fans will be in their element as Alistair Reynolds and Andy FrankhamAllen come together for the 50th anniversary celebration of the series . For the more girly among us Jo Carnegie will be talking about her romantic drama Party Games (including sparkling wine and a buffet). Later events include a celebration of the three crime authors, Chris Morgan Jones, William Ryan and M.R. Hall who will be discussing their own experiences of crime in their previous work as a spy, a criminal barrister and a lawyer. With books to suit all tastes, the Cowbridge Book Festival offers the unique opportunity to get inside the minds of different authors and their inspirations. GlastonBarry Did you miss out on Glastonbury this year? Coming to you in the merry month of September, it’s hard to say no when there’s such a witty pun in the name. Collecting some of the best tribute acts the country has to offer, you can expect performances from well known cover bands such as Oasish, The Stereotonics and The Shamones. Also included is a guest appearance from previous X Factor contestant John Adams, with a plethora of guest DJs to get you in the festival mood. You can also splash out on the £20 VIP tickets to get your own private bar and to lord it over everyone with balcony seating. Nice. Glastonbarry Live Music Festival, Memo Arts Centre, Barry, Sat 28 Sept. Admissions: £12. Info: 07885795248 / www.mackeventspresents.com BUZZ 08 Cowbridge Book Festival, events throughout the year. Tickets: prices vary. Info: www.cowbridgebookfestival. co.uk

Buzz Magazine September 2013 | Page 8