THE streets of Cardigan were rocking last weekend as three big-name acts drew the crowds to Cardigan Castle.

Working in collaboration with Theatr Mwldan, first to take to the stage on the Friday night were Dreadzone, with support from Mr Phormula.

They were followed on the Saturday night by Grammy Award-winning Touareg rockers Tinariwen and support act Kizzy Crawford, with the weekend brought to a close by multi award-winning Welsh soprano Catrin Aur and Cordydd choir.

Helena Turgel, marketing manager at Theatr Mwldan, said: “We had such a great series of events at the Castle, with more than 1,300 people attending over the weekend and some great knock on effects for local businesses.

“Both before and after the show there were people looking for food and drink outside the castle walls and a general festive atmosphere in the town.

“We've been really overwhelmed with the positive feedback and general good feeling. We've been receiving messages from people in person, email and social media about the events, someone even wrote a poem in response to the Tinariwen gig.”

Dave Randle says this gig was the highlight of his year and wrote the following poem:

Fierce calm descended

Near a brimming river,

African guerrillas released magic

Sky donned its celestine cloak;

People danced and swayed

Sipping wine, feeling nourishment,

Shadows stole kisses of friendship

And the scent of memories.

Devotees captivated under moon

Danced together in space,

Rhythms soothing, licking minds

Haunting music carrying treasure,

From the Sahara sharing subtle beauty

Songs of dignity, freedom and unity,

Dispensing to all rolling guitar

Music flooded into souls,

From Mali, desert blues uplifting

Love has no ending.