Cadstock brings audiences together in Victoria Park, Barry

The award-winning Cadstock, now in its 16th year, returned to Victoria Park in Barry last weekend.

Audiences gathered in the sunshine to enjoy a packed line-up of performers at the park’s historic bandstand.

Victoria Park sees lots of locals attend the festival each year (Image: Julian Ross Morgan)

The free event is designed to bring people together through music.

A social media post by Cadstock after the festival reads: “The bandstand has gone quiet, the park is clear, and we are floating in that post-festival bubble of pure joy.

“To every single person who came down, danced, sang, and brought the energy, thank you! You create an absolutely unbelievable atmosphere that bounces right back off the bands and turns into something indescribable every single year.

“On behalf of the Cadstock committee and everyone who helped behind the scenes, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you, Cadstockers.”

The event features a range of performances in the bandstand at Victoria Park (Image: Julian Ross Morgan)

This year’s programme featured a mix of well-known local acts, community choirs, and cover band favourites.

Audience members of all ages enjoyed an inclusive atmosphere with something for everyone on stage.

The event proves popular every year, but this year found itself helped by exceptional weather and a heatwave throughout the weekend with clear skies all round. While some snags may have arisen because of abnormally high temperatures, the organisers persevered through and made the most of the extraordinary conditions. 

Youngsters attending Cadstock are also able to make their own festival experience thanks to a family zone that offers a range of games, refreshments, bouncy castles, and face painting. These extra activities gives younger visitors a safe and fun introduction to live music.

The free event is designed to bring people together through music (Image: Julian Ross Morgan)

They aim to keep the festival accessible and open to all, holding fast to a long-standing ethos of being the biggest and best free music festival in Cardiff and the Vale.

The festival relies on the contributions of volunteers to stay true to its community-focused roots.

Organisers say the event stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together to celebrate culture, creativity, and connection in a shared space.