CARDIGAN Castle was packed on Saturday night as 1,500 people enjoyed a night of top musical performances.

Welsh group 9Bach and English folk stars Bellowhead performed to a sell-out crowd with much praise heaped on the event.

A spokesman for Theatr Mwldan, which organised the gig with the castle, said: “We’re delighted with the resounding success of Saturday’s concert at Castell Aberteifi / Cardigan Castle.

“It takes a huge amount of planning and effort to put such an event together, and it’s testimony to the dedication of the individuals involved behind the scenes – staff and volunteers - that this evening was an epic celebration.

“We give our sincere thanks to 9Bach, Bellowhead, Brychan Ll?r and to the 1,500 people from near and far who joined us on this special evening.

“It was great to see such an overwhelmingly positive response to the event and we look forward to many future events at the castle in the years to come. The castle is a magnificent asset to Cardigan and makes a huge contribution to the economic, social and cultural regeneration of our community.”

But despite being a hit with music fans, who travelled from far and wide for the event, and many to see Bellowhead in particular, there was still evidence of the current controversy over the running of Cardigan Castle.

On the pavement outside concert-goers were all handed an ‘official’ proclamation written as though from Lord Rhys Ap Grufudd himself by Welsh language supporters unhappy an English group was chosen for what was originally billed as the ‘official’ opening concert.

See: Campaigners target castle concert-goers

And former castle director Cris Tomos, who left last week after serving a period of suspension, was thanked for his efforts on stage by supporters unhappy he was not receiving the official recognition he deserved.