THE countdown to Barry’s most popular free music festival has begun as Cadstock marks its 10th anniversary on the same day Woodstock celebrates its 50th.

The Victoria Park-based event will this year take place on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18.

50 years ago to the day since the iconic Woodstock music festival took place in New York State, USA, Cadstock will once again bring live music to the people of Barry and beyond.

In much the same way as the peace and tranquillity of Max Yasgur’s dairy farm was broken in1969 as the likes of Hendrix, Joplin, Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Who took an audience of more than 500,000 people into a new music dimension; so too this August 17 and 18 the air above Victoria Park in Barry will thunder to the sounds of 10 local bands playing their hearts out to a music loving audience of all ages.

With the music set to kick off at 1pm on both days the advice is prepare well for all weather conditions and allow plenty of time to find a favoured spot.

Cadstock organiser Jon Greatrex said: “The weekend of August 17 and 18 2019 will be very special. Cadstock will be 10 years old and we have chosen to time our anniversary with that of Woodstock’s Golden Anniversary.

“We are extremely proud of reaching this milestone for Cadstock.

“Our free live music festival is much loved by the people of Barry and the Vale.

“It is great to be a part of a weekend filled with so much energy and enthusiasm, love and respect, all against a background of music to sing and dance along to.”

Organisers have launched a new range of Cadstock anniversary t-shirts for people to show their support for this much-loved event.

Proceeds from the sale of all Cadstock merchandise will help support and develop the free music festival and support local charities.

Cadstock t-shirts can be ordered from tshirt-printing4u.com/collections/cadstock

T-shirts can be delivered or collected from the printers, in Castleland Street.

Bands already lined up include headliners Brother Steve, and legendary glam rockers 12 Bore headlining finishing off the event on Sunday evening.

Mr Greatrex said: “I want to thank the Vale parks and tourism departments for all their support over the years; we couldn’t have Cadstock without them.

“The Victoria Park team who do all the behind the scenes work for the event and keep our Green Flag award-winning park looking so lovely all year round, The Friends of Victoria Park group for help, support and delicious cakes. JPL Sound, all the bands, contributors and technicians for making it possible again this year – super job everyone. I hope everyone will come along and have another brilliant weekend.”

The Friends of Victoria Park will provide tea, coffee, cakes and pastries and Barry Round Table will have a BBQ with burgers and hot dogs. RSM Events will have a licensed bar and there’ll be plenty of ice-cream from Che and Chuckles.

Patrons can bring their own food and drink.

Cadstock operates a responsible drinking policy at this family event.

More than 5,000 people are expected to attend over the weekend.