The Eisteddfod’s very first rock prom is less concert and more of a gig – a musical homage to the Welsh language Rock Scene featuring its current darlings Yr Ods, Sŵnami and Candelas and will be held in the Pavilion during this year’s festival in Monmouthshire on Thursday evening, 4 August.
The brand new Pavilion which in the past has been home to more traditional Welsh culture will be transformed for one night only and the three bands will share a stage and be accompanied by a professional orchestra.
Hosting proceedings will be Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens who said “I think it's important that the Eisteddfod continues to reach out to different audiences. We are great at celebrating the past, but celebrating the here and now is vital I think'.
“The Eisteddfod has long been a highlight of the Welsh music calendar, and this is one of the most important nights in the Eisteddfod’s history. This is the night that the underground becomes mainstream.
“Who would have thought that the movement that started back in the 80s would reach the dizzying heights of the Eisteddfod pavilion with orchestral accompaniment – the SRG has certainly arrived!”
The bands will be accompanied on the night by the Welsh Pops Orchestra under the baton of Owain Llwyd.
Candelas have gone from strength to strength following the release of their self-titled debut album, with songs such as ‘Anifail’ and ‘Symud Ymlaen’ becoming anthems across the Welsh language scene.
A band responsible for immeasurably catchy songs, Yr Ods are masters of fusing sharp indie sounds with more vintage 80s synth. With fresh material under their belts, this will be one of their few appearances this summer.
Dolgellau’s young hopes, Sŵnami, are cut from similar cloth to a long lineage of great, UK indie band, including the Arctic Monkeys, Bombay Bicycle Club and Catfish & the Bottlemen. Wales’ upcoming, music-savvy generation have already danced and fallen in love to Sŵnami’s rapturously-received live sets and this will be an opportunity to introduce their infectious anthems to a new audience.
Back to Huw “I can’t wait to hear these bands with an orchestral backing. It will be an amazing experience for the bands and audience alike and I applaude the Eisteddfod for programming such a night”.