ARA DEG returns this year for a series of musical events in Bethesda, Wales. It features performances by Das Koolies, Bill Ryder-Jones, Strawberry Guy, Gruff Rhys, Merched Lloerig, Fflapogram, Don Leisure, Andy Votel, and more between 22 – 24 August. ARA DEG is a collaboration between Neuadd Ogwen (Bethesda’s former cinema, now a multi-purpose community-run venue), Gruff Rhys and an informal committee of local musicians and DJ’s.
Neuadd Ogwen’s Dilwyn Llwyd said:
“ARA DEG has been an integral part of our annual programme at the Neuadd for the last six years. It’s brilliant to host a music festival here in Bethesda featuring acclaimed artists from Wales and beyond, curated in partnership with Gruff Rhys. This year, the line-up is exciting and varied and we can’t wait to welcome audiences here to enjoy the music!”
On Thursday 22 August, Das Koolies, which includes Bunf, Cian, Daf and Guto from the Super Furry Animals bring their extraordinary production to Neuadd Ogwen. Combining Techno, live instruments and adventurous video - this will be an unforgettable night.
The ambient duo Group Listening will open the evening - their latest album Walks was released to international acclaim this year via PRAH recordings.
On Friday night 23 August, Bill Ryder-Jones brings his new album Iechyd Da! to Neuadd Ogwen, a community-run venue situated in the town’s old cinema. This album is considered by many publications to be one of the best albums of the year, and its title is taken from a song by Welsh legends Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. Guest to be announced.
Saturday 24 August will be a full day of events, kicking off with a record fair and film screening of Pandora’s Box in the morning at the Neuadd, followed by Strawberry Guy, a local psyche artist and accidental global TikTok phenomenon, who will be performing at Jerusalem Chapel with special guests.
The Saturday will include a series of tributes for Emyr Glyn Williams - one of the founders of Ankst Records and a filmmaker who was a dedicated supporter of the festival. This will feature tribute sets (curated by Alan Holmes) by Fflapogram which includes members of the cult bands Ectogram and Fflaps, Pat Morgan from Datblygu appears with Merched Lloerig and Gruff Rhys plays a set with the Sadness Sets Me Free band.
A set by DJ's Andy Votel and Don Leisure closes the night with audio fireworks and wild dancing.
Gruff Rhys said:
“One of the key elements of Ara Deg [All in good time] is that there are no clashing sets and artists have enough time to play in an unrestricted way. The audience can process everything without being subjected to a conveyor belt of enforced music!”