Chart Stars The Automatic Sign Up to Mike Peters’ Rhondda Rocks Event
Welsh chart stars The Automatic have become the first high profile act to give their backing to Rhondda Rocks, the charity event organised by Mike Peters that will raise money for the Tenovus Mobile Cancer Treatment Unit. The band has signed up to perform alongside The Alarm frontman Peters, on the bill of the Rhondda Rocks concert, which will be held at Aberdare Coliseum on Saturday the 27th of June.
The concert will round off a day of fundraising, which includes a sponsored walk to the summit of Darren Y Bwllfa from Dare Valley Country Park, where Mike Peters will perform a special set at both the start of the walk as well as at the summit.
Peters said of The Automatic’s inclusion on the concerts bill
“I’m delighted that The Automatic have signed up for Rhondda Rocks. I first met the band at the benefit for Burberry workers and was impressed by their commitment to helping their local community, which they’ve chosen to do again by joining us at Rhondda Rocks and supporting Tenovus’ marvellous Mobile Cancer Treatment Unit and the Love Hope Strength Foundation. They also happen to be a great band and both my young sons love ‘Monster’! “


Rob Hawkins, lead singer of The Automatic had this to say about their appearance at Rhondda Rocks
“We were pleased to accept Mike Peters invitation to join him on the bill of the Rhondda Rocks event. We’re always glad to support a worthy cause, as we did alongside Mike at the Burberry Workers Concert in 2007. We know that Cancer rates in the South Wales Valleys are a lot higher than the national average, and with the proceeds going to the groundbreaking Tenovus Mobile Cancer Treatment Unit, we’re pleased to see the funds donated to an initiative that will support cancer sufferers in the heart of South Wales. We’re looking forward to seeing our South Wales fans there at the show, supporting this worthy cause.”
Also joining The Automatic on the bill at Rhondda Rocks will be Stuarts Cables Killing For Company, The Pendyrus Male Voice Choir who will also be accompanying Mike Peters on ‘ A New South Wales ‘ , Swansea rockers Viva Machine (who will release their debut self titled album

“We’re absolutely delighted to be working together with Mike Peters, someone who has fought so hard for cancer patients around the world and who understands the issues they face first hand.”
“To have the Automatic also onboard now for Rhondda Rocks is fantastic, as one of the biggest bands to come out of Wales in years they will help to further raise the profile of the event and help raise awareness of cancer, a disease that 46 people are diagnosed with each day in Wales alone.”
“Per head of population, the incidence of cancer in Wales is about 19% higher than across the border in England, with the highest incidences occurring in some of the poorest areas where outcomes are often worse. Each cancer patient will visit hospital an average of 53 times which can often place great physical, emotional and financial strain on them and their families at an already difficult time.”
“The Tenovus mobile unit is working to ease this pressure on patients and their families by providing emotional support, practical advice and treatment in the heart of communities, nearer to people’s homes and to the people who need it most. This work is only possible through donations made by the public so the money raised from Rhondda Rocks will help ensure that we can support as many people as possible during their cancer journey.”

The Automatic are currently promoting their second album ‘This is a Fix’, the follow up to their Gold certified debut ‘Not Accepted Anywhere’, but show no signs of slowing the pace, having already started demoing their as yet untitled third album.
Rhondda Rocks Event Details:
Those interested in taking part in the sponsored walk should contact the Love Hope Strength Foundation on 0781 4404877 for further details.

Tickets for the Mike Peters, The Automatic and Special Guests at the Aberdare Coliseum on the Saturday the 27th of June are £15.00 in Advance and available from the Aberdare Coliseum on 01685 881188

The Tenovus Mobile Support Unit will be visiting the areas of Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend and Cwmbran throughout May. Appointments and further details are available through the Tenovus Cancer Support Team and Freephone Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 1010.

Rhondda Rocks is also just around the corner on Saturday June 27th, and the long range weather forecast is predicting a beautiful day. I'm proud to announce that chart stars - The Automatic will be joining me on the walk and also in the post-trek concert in the Aberdare Coliseum. Personally, I can't wait to hear them singing "What's that coming over the hill" on the summit!!!! Stuart Cable (Stereophonics) will also be joining us with his fine new band 'Killing For Company' along with a host of others including The Pendyrus Male Voice Choir. It's all being recorded for future transmission by BBC Wales and it's still not too late to join in..... so if you feel that you would like to 'Get On Your Boots' as Bono might say.... then call Katrina on 07814 404877. It's estimated that the walk will take about 3 - 4 hours and it's nowhere near as high as Snowdon.... so come on down and make a stand with us!!!!

Independence Day in the USA coincides with Snowdon Rocks on Saturday July 4th. This year, we have an Event Marquee set up at base camp which is situated at the Pen-Y-Ceunant Cafe at the foot of the Llanberis (Mountain Railway) Path up to Snowdon. We have a full sound system on site plus a host of talented local artists performing( including a full set from myself ) and I also hope to be announcing some very special guests who will be joining me in the days leading up to the event itself. I can confirm that I will be singing with the 60 strong North Wales Rugby Choir so get ready for some serious chills down the spine!!!. The day will begin at 10.00 am with a musical send off and a concert at the Halfway House Cafe around midday, followed by a concert at the summit at 1400. As an added bonus this year, the new Snowdon Summit Building is now open so we will all be able to get a hot cup of tea at the summit before heading down for the grand finale in the event Marquee which will kick off at 1600 until closing time!!! Once again, I urge you to join me on the mountain for a most special day out in support of a most noble cause...... all proceeds from both events will be directed into cancer care through out Wales.