A shortage of rock venues led to Sam James organising Castle Rock

Sam Rhys James, 16, who is about to start studying for his A-levels, has put together this weekend's event at Aberystwyth Castle.

A castle that was once dominated by Edward I, Owain Glyndwr and Oliver Cromwell, will be stormed by Welsh bands Gogz, Maharishi and Kentucky FC during a gig he has called Castle Rock.

Alongside the three headline acts, the bilingual event will also feature six local bands performing between 1500 BST and 2100 BST on Saturday.

Younger rock fans are restricted from attending concerts because they have become too expensivet Sam Rhys James, concert promoter

"I started thinking about organising the event because of the lack of rock concert venues allowing access for teenagers to perform," said Sam, a pupil at the town's Penweddig School.

"Younger rock fans are restricted from attending concerts because they have become too expensive so I wanted this to be a free concert," he added.

Image

The budding Harvey Goldsmith contacted the local council and magistrates to apply for grants and an entertainment licence for the event.

"We managed to access funding because Castle Rock will be good for the image of the town as well as promoting business and tourism," said Sam, who had to form a constituted group - Do-Re-Mi- - to set up the event.

He roped in his mother to help with application forms and his father to help set up the stage.

"You can't get to Aberystwyth Castle by car so we'll have to carry the stuff needed to build the stage to the castle," he said.

All the bands have agreed to play free of charge

"Normally you can build the stage from the back of a truck but this time it's impossible so I'll be starting to set up the stage at five o'clock in the morning."

"Because listeners will not be paying to watch the concert we're hoping they might be prepared to make a donation to Tenovus cancer charity and there will be collectors with charity boxes at the castle on Saturday," he said.

"I've really enjoyed the experience, it's been a real buzz and if successful I hope that Castle Rock becomes a regular event," he said.

"It's given local groups the chance to play alongside more experienced bands, who have been great because they are only being paid petrol money."