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Caerphilly’s annual Megaday music event is back this weekend to celebrate its 30th year.

The ‘Megafest’ charity music festival will be held at Virginia Park on Saturday August 24 and Sunday August 25, with proceeds going towards Velindre Cancer Centre.

The festival will feature live music from a number of local bands, with Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band headlining.

There will also be a bar and food, as well as children’s attractions.

Since Megaday began in 1995, it has raised £392,000 for Velindre – and organisers are hoping to hit a milestone this year.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer earlier this month, organiser Martin Tipples said: “Our target is to reach the £400,000 mark this year.

“It would be nice to see 1,500 people there this year and good weather hopefully.”

The event is organised by volunteers each year, with bands performing for free.

“Loads of work has gone into it this year, the same as always. We’re adding a Saturday night event this year too,” explained Martin.

The Saturday will host ‘Megadisco’ between 7pm and 11.30pm – a 70s, 80s, and 90s disco sing-along with an ABBA tribute. Bands Day will be held on the Sunday between 2pm and 11.30pm.

Visit Eventbrite to buy tickets for this year’s Megafest.

History of Megaday

Megaday has raised more than £392,000 for Velindre since it began in 1995, with six local bands performing in the first ever edition.

The volunteer-run event was set up in memory of Caerphilly musician Andrew Nichols, who lost his battle with cancer that same year.

Andrew was known to friends as ‘Mega’ and so the event was named after him.

In August 2001, Paul “PG” Grahame, who had been instrumental in the organisation of Megaday from the outset and had performed at every Megaday with his band, PG and the Tips, also passed away from cancer.

Following this, the Megaday organisers became more determined than ever and the music festival has been held in memory of both Mega and PG ever since.