Sŵn aims for that euphoric feeling

This year’s condensing of Sŵn festival has caused dismay amongst some fans but as co-founder, John Rostron, explains, 2014’s incarnation is just a breather as organisers consider what the festival would look like if it were starting from scratch next year.

Don’t fret! Sŵn will continue to make plenty noise.

Don’t fret! Sŵn will continue to make plenty of noise.

Perturbed by economic narratives of growth, Rostron believes that Sŵn must recapture its innovative edge and wants the festival to focus on providing an unforgettable experience: “We’ll step away from size. People get obsessed with numbers. The important thing for me is how much of an impact does it make on the people who come and the people who play? We want people to walk away feeling elated.”

Emphasis will now be on doing the small things well, starting with DimSŵn on October 18.

^{Photo by Tom Carter}

Congratulations to Kerry Ann, our competition winner! She bags herself a couple of DimSŵn tickets. Keep an eye on @alt_cardiff for future competitions.

Sŵn: A History/A Future

Welsh for “sound”/”noise”, Sŵn was founded in 2007 by John Rostron and Huw Stephens and takes its inspiration from SXSW in Austin, Texas. The festival gives a platform to many up and coming bands and both founders are keen to maintain the festival’s developmental role.

The festival normally runs for four days but, having grown too big to for its small band of volunteers, it nearly didn’t happen at all this year. However, Rostron states, “Not doing anything at all didn’t feel like the right thing to do”. As a result a one day festival, DimSŵn, has been pulled together to reward the trust placed in the festival by its fans, bands and supporters.

Shape, size, format and calendar date will all be considered for future festivals. Whilst nothing has been decided yet, Rostron can’t see the festival staying as a single day event but says that Sŵn will be re-imagined as and when change is necessary.

Which bands should you see at DimSŵn? That’s entirely up to you! However, just between you and me, Rostron’s recent listening includes Gengahr, Golden Fable, and Kid Wave . Other musicians are available.

For more information visit the lovely people at Sŵn, or you can follow @john_rostron and @swnfestival

DimSŵn tickets cost £24 (£12 for 14-17 year olds) and can be purchased online.