Conwy’s Rock The River Festival in doubt

Feb 25 2010 by Eva Ketley, North Wales Weekly News

Rock the River, Conwy

THE future of Conwy’s annual Rock the River Festival is in doubt unless more sponsors come forward.

Organisers of the festival held a crisis meeting last week to discuss the future of the event, which has fast become a mainstay of Conwy’s cultural calendar.

Joint organiser Andy Jones said: “We’ve decided to go ahead with the third Rock the River as it would be a terrible shame if it didn’t happen. It’s such a popular event and really benefits the town.

“However, we do need a lot more sponsorship – around £10,000 worth – for it to happen.

“If the money isn’t forthcoming then we can’t proceed, it’s as simple as that.”

Last year more than 14,000 people flocked to the event over the three-day weekend.

They witnessed daredevil wakeboarders’ mid-air manoeuvres as musicians delighted the crowds and children enjoyed a host of activities on Conwy Quay.

However, although the ticketed concerts on the Quay sold out, the festival still made a loss because there was a lack of sponsorship. The first Rock the River in 2008 broke even.

Andy has promised this year’s event, which will take place during July 31 to August 1, will be the best yet.

He said: “We have to hold it on a different weekend to Conwy’s River Festival as the tides aren’t favourable for wakeboarding.

“This time round there’s going to be better marshalling on the Quay as there was a bit of trouble last year with people bringing their own booze.

“The actual Rock the River area was fine, we had a relaxed vibe, but there were some incidents outside that area on the Quay.

“There was also a problem with rubbish, but that will be rectified if we stop people bringing their own alcohol.”

Andy says bands are being sought to play in this year’s festival. If you are a rising young band and would like an opportunity to play at Rock the River 2010, go to www.rocktheriver.co.uk for contact details.

If anyone is interested in running a stall, or in sponsoring the event, call Andy on 07970 268639.