8th August 2026: The Acapela Studio, Pentyrch, Cardiff

 

    The omens weren't brilliant as we set off for South Wales. We'd had email warnings about explosions in local quarries causing floods that closed crucial roads. We'd also been briefed about not parking in the obvious car park: it's owned by the pub next door, and Acapela clients were less than welcome to use it. It's only a short step from there to an episode of Midsummer Murders.

    The traffic jams westbound started at Bristol, and reached Newport, where thousands of Comic Con fans finally got off the road. And the venue itself - from the outside - had the welcoming aura of a whitewashed breezeblock. But appearances - as they say - can be deceptive.

    Inside, the ex-Methodist Temperance chapel had been lovingly converted to a breathtaking performance venue, with seating in the gallery, and tables laid out for those who wanted to dine before the show. Even the dearly departed of Pentyrch had a great view south, over the houses and the Bristol Channel to North Somerset.

    Hywel looked after us splendidly - and I don't just mean in the sound department, although that was top-notch; mind you, with his top-level musical pedigree, one expects nothing less. We were dispatched to the 'green room' with delicious (and complimentary) pizzas and cold drinks. Nothing could have been more welcome after a long, hot drive from central southern England. In fact, we, as a band, couldn't have been made more welcome. A fantastic trip west. Thanks to one and all at the Acapela.