Pentreffest Noz
Pentreffest Noz is a monthly evening of music and dance – currently featuring traditional music and dance from France and Brittany (Breton) with a sprinkling of music and dance from Sweden and other European regions. It is a very friendly event, whether you are a musician, dancer or someone who just wants to listen and watch. No experience is needed and you don’t need to bring a partner as there are always experienced dancers and musicians there and everyone is encouraged and supported during the evening.
Pentreffest Noz takes place on the first Friday of every month (except August). The evening starts with separate workshops for dancers and musicians. Each month something new will be taught, with revision of dances and tunes learnt in previous months. Doors open at 7.45, with the the workshops starting at 8.00. The bal runs from 9.30 until 11.45.
Music Workshop: This is open to musicians of all abilities and any instrument. Learning by ear is encouraged, but notation is provided. Musicians are taught tunes for dancing and they will have an opportunity to play for dances later in the evening. It is an aim to build up a repertoire of music for dancing.
Dance Workshop: Dancers of all abilities are welcome and during the evening there will be many experienced dancers to help beginners. Again, it is an aim to build up a repertoire of dances. The dances from Brittany do not usually require a partner as they are performed in lines or circles. The dances from other parts of France are usually danced in couples or larger sets. Do not worry if you want to come to the event on your own as there will be others there who will dance with you. Some of the dances we teach are ‘mixers’ so you will get a chance to dance with other people any way.
Evening Bal: After a short coffee break, the evening continues with the bal – dancing to live music. A wide range of dances will be enjoyed during the evening. This part of the evening begins with the House Band – featuring all those who play in the music workshop. These musicians have the chance to play the tunes they have just been taught in the workshop, along with other tunes they have learned in previous Pentreffest workshops. After this, other musicians and groups have the chance to play. There will normally be one advertised group performing, but opportunity is there for others to play as well. Check the calendar on the Pentreffest website each month to see who will be the special feature. Click on the entry to find out.
Pentreffest Noz Directions
More detailed travel instructions to the monthly workshops
View Larger MapVenue is St Mary;s Church Hall, Church Road, Whitchurch. Cardiff CF14 2 EA. This is just 5 minutes off the M4 /A470 interchange at Junction 32. Take the A4054 towards Whitchurch Village.
(From M4 Travelling WEST: Leave M4 at Junction 32. Take 2nd exit at roundabout towards Whitchurch / Eglwys Newydd (A4054))
(From M4 travelling EAST: Leave M4 at Junction 32.Take right hand lane on the roundabout and take 5th exit, signposted Whitchurch/Eglwys Newydd (A4054))
At the first roundabout go straight accross (2nd exit) into Penlline Road, After about 600yds down the road turn right at the traffic lights.
The church hall is approximately 20 yards on the left. There is parking on the road, and beside the hall. HOWEVER curently there are roadworks by the hall. The best parking may be found in the large free car park on Penlline Road, before you get to the traffic lights, on the left hand side.
From Cardiff come from Gabalfa interchange, up The Philog and Merthyr Road across Whitchurch Common and go up through Whitchurch village. Turn Left at the Traffic Lights by the Plough public house and the hall is on your left.
Directions to St Mary’s Hall from Landaff North Station
Which ever platform you get off at, walk up onto the station footbridge, and exit the bridge via the top exit (not the car park side).
Turn right and walk to the end of the road.
Turn left, and walk to the zebra crossing.
Cross the road and proceed left.
Turn right onto Church road.
Walk towards the end of the road (you will pass Bishops Place on the right).
Just before you get to the traffic lights, St Mary’s church hall is on your right opposite the Church.
Approximate walking time - 10 minutes
