Despite the wind, rain and a number of organisational difficulties, Gŵyl Corris Festival 2008 delivered, in the shape of quality music and a good deal of fun.

The festival got off to a rocking start on Friday 22 August at the Braich Goch Inn with the ever popular Restless Leg, local favourites Defcon3, and the enigmatic Tor Morrock.

Bank Holiday Monday saw more music at the Braich, starting with the powerful voice of the dynamic Beth McCann, literally the girl next door (to the Braich, that is). As well as a number of established favourites, Beth brought us a number from the new Eagles album.

Also on the bill that night was Sarah Louise, with several CDs to her credit, and a favourite on Welsh radio and the festival scene. Sarah Louise, singing in both Welsh and English, and playing keyboards, was accompanied by band member Phil on violin whose excellent musicianship made for a wonderful session.

Undoubtedly the discovery of the festival were the Dragon Strings from Cardiff. With their electric-blue instruments, the group are a string ensemble including violins, violas and cellos, along with drums, keyboards and electric bass.

Another knock-out act were the trio Ockhams Raiser, who describe themselves as alternative/funk/acoustic.

The spoken word was also part of the scene, with poetry and monologue sessions from local man of letters David Hickey. In his humorous monologue evening at the Braich Goch, Hickey was well and truly upstaged by his dog Boru.

Although Festival Fun Day dawned grey and rainy, it did not dampen the fun to be had at the Craft Centre meadow. Dragon Strings provided some great music and the young Corris Dancers entertained on the stage. Meanwhile, family amusements included coconut shy, greasy pole, basket ball, brantub and hook-a-duck.

Sessions at the Braich Goch were brought to a rousing finale by the Pot Boilers. With a line-up featuring fiddle and banjo, they brought the house down with a series of bluegrass and Cajun numbers.

The festival came to a close with a traditional Welsh concert, or Noson Lawen, at the Corris Institute hall. Kicking off the evening were the powerful voices of the male voice choir Parti Meibion Dyfi. Soloist for the evening was the young Steffan Rhys Hughes, winner at many eisteddfods, including first place at the 2008 Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

In true Noson Lawen tradition, there was a compere to keep things rolling along - in this case, the incomparable Dilwyn Morgan. A firm favourite from S4C TV Noson Lawen, Dilwyn was hilarious, and at times outrageous. Much of the time, Dilwyn was funnier for delivering part of his patter in Welsh and part in English.

Photos from the event and further information, can be found on the festival website (link right).

Bill Hosier