We’d talked about it for years.
The dream of our own pop-up shop and party, maybe a stall at a live event, maybe taking over an empty shop front. It always sat on the “one day” list. This weekend, “one day” finally arrived.
Tucked inside a private courtyard in the centre of Cardiff, we built our own corner of music, clothing, art and coffee. What started as a quiet idea became a full blown pop-up experience, a garage turned gathering.
The Calm Before the Crowd
On the morning of the event, doubt crept in, that stomach-tightening feeling before the first record spins or the first customer walks in. I felt sick and Dave had butterflies. But we’d done all we could. The graffiti stained walls, cracked concrete and raw energy of the space gave us the perfect backdrop. By midday, the courtyard came alive.
Two local artists, Rachel Kinchin and Print By Ans, filled the space with colour and character, hand created pieces that caught the light and people’s attention. Next to them Early Jeffers and Neil Soul from Winston’s Market brought crates of vinyl that felt like history in motion, house, disco, breaks and those white labels you only find if you’ve been around the scene long enough.
The turntables spun all day courtesy of Matt Joy, Shake the Horse and myself (a little rusty), but it felt good to be back behind the decks. Vinyl only. No USBs, no shortcuts, just the crackle of wax and hands that know the feel of a sleeve. The atmosphere was open, friendly, slightly rough around the edges but full of soul. Handlebar Barista pulled perfect coffees in the corner, the smell of fresh grounds mixing perfectly with records and conversation.
Where Old Faces Meet New
At times it felt like the old days at Catapult 100% Vinyl on a Saturday. You’d bump into old friends, talk for hours, lose track of time. A steady flow of people came through all day, a young couple visiting from Germany, wide-eyed at the atmosphere and familiar faces we’ve shared dance floors with for more than 25 years.
That’s what In The Music is about, connection. The same thread that’s always tied the scene together, music, creativity and community. It’s what we try to capture in every piece of clothing.
Five Hours in Flow
Five hours went by in a blur. Barely stopping for a drink, lost in conversation, music and laughter. When it wrapped, we were wired, tired and completely taken back by the support. It felt like the early days again, raw, human and exciting.
A Thank You to Everyone Who Came
A huge thank you to Gemma Hawes from Winston’s Market for helping us bring the event to life. Thanks also to Ben Woodcock for letting us take over the courtyard and to Dewi Allen for the stunning photos and highly professional video work.
And of course, to every vendor, artist and DJ who made it more than just a pop-up. And to our partners, loved ones and everyone who came down, shared a story, bought something, or just soaked in the atmosphere, thank you. You reminded us why we do this.
The Cardiff pop-up was our first, but it won’t be the last. Plans are already bubbling for the next one.
