Location: Dunraven Brewery Field, Bridgend
Date: August Bank Holiday Monday โ 28th August, 2023
Event Type: Rock Concert x Rugby Celebration
Bands/Teams: Those Damn Crows ๐ธ + Bridgend Ravens ๐
Attendance: Estimated 3,000+ locals, rockers, and rugby fans
Welsh Saying of the Night: “Ymlaen gydaโr sลทn!” โ โForward with the noise!โ
๐ฅ A One-of-a-Kind Bridgend Homecoming
Imagine the roar of the rugby crowd colliding with the roar of Marshall amps. Thatโs exactly what happened when Bridgend’s very own Those Damn Crows returned for a once-in-a-lifetime homecoming gigโright on the turf of Dunraven Brewery Field.
This was more than a show. It was community spirit with a setlist, a celebration of music, sport, and Welsh pride under the wide August sky. Locals came out in droves โ with kids in band tees, seasoned fans waving flags, and even a few confused rugby dads who left as fully-converted Crows fans.
๐ต Those Damn Crows: A Thunderstorm of Emotion and Energy
The moment the band took the stage, the field lit up like a rock battlefield. Every lyric hit harder. Every riff echoed down the valleys.
Set Highlights:
- ๐ถ โSend the Reaperโ โ With the full force of Bridgend shouting the chorus back.
- ๐ถ โThis Time Iโm Readyโ โ Dedicated to fans whoโve been there from the pub gigs to the arenas.
- ๐ถ โRock ‘n’ Roll Ainโt Deadโ โ It was a rallying cry, a foot-stomping reminder that the Welsh rock scene is alive and screaming.
Special Moment: During โBlink of an Eye,โ the band paused to thank their families and supportersโtears were flowing and phones lit the sky. Tidy doesnโt even cover it.
๐ Bridgend Ravens: Kicking Off the Spirit
While the evening belonged to rock, rugby was the heartbeat. The Bridgend Ravens kicked off the day with a showcase of their legacy, hosting youth teams and meet-and-greets for fans. It felt like a cultural handoverโfrom scrum to stage.
- Local youth teams got signed merch from the band
- Bridgend legends past and present were spotted soaking up the vibes
- The clubhouse was turned into a mini merch village โ band tees and club scarves side by side
๐ Food, Beer & Festive Flair
Festival-style food trucks flanked the field, serving up loaded Welsh rarebit fries, BBQ stacks, pizza, and Crows-themed cocktails (yes, really โ The Feather Dropper was a crowd favourite ๐น).
The bar? Overflowing, but efficient. Local brews from Glamorgan Brewery and Bragdy Twt Lol were on tap.
Top shout: Free water points. Hydrate or headbang responsibly. ๐ง๐ธ
๐จ Extras That Made the Night Special
- ๐ธ Crow Photo Booth: With inflatable guitars, feather capes, and a mock stage setup for fan snaps.
- ๐ผ๏ธ Art Wall: Fans left messages and doodlesโnow preserved as part of a community art piece in the clubhouse.
- ๐ท๏ธ Exclusive Merch Drop: Limited-edition rugby x rock crossover shirts sold out in under 20 minutes!
๐ Final Thoughts: The Spirit of Bridgend, Amplified
If you ever doubted that Bridgend could throw a world-class event โ this gig dropkicked that doubt into touch. It was pride, power, and passion, all rolled into one epic night.
๐ค Final Score:
Atmosphere: ๐๐๐๐๐
Band Performance: ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Community Vibes: ๐ฏ Pure Class
Rugby x Rock Combo: 10/10 would mosh again
As the night drew to a close and the echoes of the final encore rang out across Brewery Field, one thing was clear:
โThis town doesnโt just raise players and performers โ it raises legends.โ
๐๐ธ Cโmon Wales! Iechyd da, Bridgend โ you smashed it. ๐ฅ๐
