Goldie Lookin' Chain escape their Newport roots for Dolgellau

Newport rappers Goldie Lookin' Chain have taken time out from recording a new album to put on what they call an extravaganza at the Sesiwn on Friday.

The group say they are taking more time over their next album, which is to be released on a new label.

Organisers had hoped Big Brother's Glyn Wise would introduce GLC but he is still in the TV show's house.

The 18-year-old sixth former from Blaenau Ffestiniog has mentioned the festival several times during his time on the Channel 4 show.

Emyr Lloyd, one of the organisers, said ticket sales were going well despite a problem with the broadband internet connection in the area last week.

Organisers wanted Glyn Wise to introduce Goldie Lookin' Chain

Adam Hussein from GLC, who had never been to Dolgellau before, said the area reminded him of a set for Lord of the Rings.

"I'm undertaking a one-man mission to travel more of Wales," he said.

Speaking about the band's split from their record company Hussein said: "They decided they didn't need eight Welsh people on their books, but it's brilliant working independently, we are working on a new album and plan to take our time over this one,"

However, Dolgellau is unlikely to hear the sound of GLC rapping in Welsh.

"It would be a surprise if I did, because I don't speak Welsh. But you never know, it depends how drunk I am, I may surprise myself," he added.

Festival-goers can see Daniel Lloyd a Mr Pinc, Gwilym Morus, and Crasdant as well as GLC on Friday.

On Saturday there will be performances by Euros Childs, Amy Wadge, Fflur Dafydd, Mim Twm Llai, Ryland Teifi and Brigyn with Frizbee headlining.

International artists will be Los de Abajos from Mexico, Freshly Ground from South Africa and Hayseed Dixie from America.

For the first time this year there will be nine short Welsh-language films shown in the town's Ship Inn.