Arwel 'Bocs' Hughes Sells Lighting and Sound Business After 25 Years
After a quarter of a century, one of the most familiar names in the Welsh entertainment lighting and sound industry is selling his business.
Over the years, MAD, the company owned by Arwel 'Bocs' Hughes, has been responsible for lighting and sound systems at significant events across North Wales.
Arwel, aged 53, described the decision as 'heartbreaking' but explained that managing MAD alongside a funeral arranging business and being a father to a young family had become too much of a burden.
Speaking to Cymru Fyw, he noted that many remember him for his long career with MAD in the entertainment sector, as well as his previous role as a DJ at the Octagon nightclub in Bangor.
"Dwi'n torri fy nghalon yn gwneud hyn... ond mae'n rhaid."
"Y gwir ydi mod i wedi bod wrthi hyd yn oed yn hirach. Cyn yr Octagon o'n i'n mynd o gwmpas fel mobile DJ.
"I fod yn onest, mae o yn fy ngwaed i, o'n i wedi bod wrthi ers yn 13-14 oed.
"Ond, dwi'n rhedeg busnes trefnu angladdau, a ma' hwnna'n hynod o brysur ac mae'n rhaid i mi fod 'on the ball' gyda busnes fel yma.
"Mae MAD wedi golygu oriau hir ac mae'n amhosib cynnal y ddau," meddai.
The company is well known to those attending concerts and events, both large and small, in the North.
MAD was established in 2000, and Arwel now hopes to sell the business completely.
"Roedd fy nhad yn rhedeg y busnes angladdau ac yn saer coed yr un pryd. Es i weithio efo'n nhad ac oedd roedd o'n gefnogol iawn i mi fel DJ.
"Yna, pan fu o farw, o'n i'n 30 ac am gario mlaen gyda'r busnes angladdau a'r DJio ond rhoi'r gorau i'r ochr saer coed.
"Mae'r busnes angladdau wedi tyfu, 'di treblu os unrhyw beth a 'dw i hefyd am roi mwy o amser i'r plant, John a Nel, wrth iddyn nhw dyfu."
Supporting Welsh Artists Across Major Events
On stages and concerts such as the National Eisteddfod, Anglesey Show, Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau, Wà Bala, and outdoor events, Arwel saw MAD collaborating with and supporting numerous artists from the Welsh music scene and beyond.
"Mae yna ormod [o artistiaid] i'w henwi ond naethon ni lot o waith gyda Bryn Fôn, Candelas, 9Bach, yr rhan fwyaf o'r bandiau Cymraeg a hyd yn oed Boy George a Boney M!"
Arwel said that assisting artists over the years had been a pleasure, though the hours could be long.
He stated that he was selling the company while it was in a strong position, hoping it would continue to succeed, entertain audiences, and support artists.
"Ma' 'di bod yn waith caled dros y blynyddoedd ond yn dod a llawer o bleser, a dwi'n gwybod bod ni wedi rhoi gwaith ac hyfforddi pobl a thechnegwyr ifanc. Dwi'n ei adael mewn safle cryf iawn," meddai.
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