| Ras Y Gader 2007, BBC
report by Huw Jenkins "The atmosphere in the town square was fantastic with the Batala Bermo samba group from Barmouth striking up a real carnival mood. Passers by were drawn to the music with lots of swaying and foot tapping. As runners approached the finishing line they were greeted with an inspiring roll of the drums. There's nothing amateurish about this samba reggae group - they have a style and passion, taking part in events as far afield as the Notting Hill Carnival and even Brazil." See the report here. |
| Following the washout of
Barmouth's Harbour Fun Day on Saturday 19th August, here's an email from
one of our determined audience, Malcolm Skellington:-
SUNSHINE on a RAINY DAY
Pouring with rain, cold and windy,
anyone in their right mind would be packing their tent up or towing the
caravan back to Brum post haste. I would imagine that the organisers of
the Annual Barmouth Harbour Fun Day were wishing they hadn't bothered,
grey skies and the heavens wide open was hardly a recipe for fun,
"does the sun ever shine in Wales" said one lady with two
miserable children in tow. It seemed like the brightest thing on this Fun
Day were the red waterproof ponchos stating "I got soaked in
Wales". Is that a gloomy picture or what ?
Still pouring and the making of a gale
whistling up the Mawddach , the sunshine, as if by magic, happened.
BATALA BERMO blazed with bright sunny
rhythms onto the harbour wall of Rio de Barmouth.
Faces smiled, hands clapped, feet tapped
and hips swayed to the infectious drum beat of this local group of
very dedicated (all weather) entertainers. Not a thought of wind
and rain could possibly happen during this performance. The cheerfulness
of the audience drove away the dark clouds, the glow of the smiles from
the band stopped all thoughts of being cold and damp.
Carnival was here, the band leader of the
day positively glowed with enthusiasm, smiles and energy which reflected
from the faces of the players adorned in the brightly patterned Batala
outfits.
An amazing experience which should be
enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. So when in Barmouth or surrounding
area look out for BATALA BERMO, these truly enthusiastic rhythmic
drummers will be one of the highlights of your holiday in Wales.
I`m still glowing, thanks BATALA
BERMO......................Malcolm (grateful visitor to Barmouth)
|
| From Notting Hill 2006
"Saw you at carnival for the very first amazing hope you won any competions" - Kingsley Taylor "Just seen you guys at the Notting Hill Carnival. Wow! You rock! Very energetic!" - Tom Clifford More on Liverpool's site And, of course, there's the center pages of The Guardian!! |
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