Last night in Pontadawe, Wales TV comedian Mark Thomas had his show interrupted to be presented an award.

Walking on stage in the middle of his UK tour, an undercurents camera crew and presenter surprised the comic to present him with a ‘MISTY’. The award was presented for his work in using the media to being about positive social change. Particular was his work on exposing illegal arms traders selling torture weapons in the UK.

The presentation in front of 400 people at Pontadawe Arts centre will be shown during this months BeyondTV international festival at Dylan Thomas centre, Swansea on November 25th. Overlooking Swansea Marina, the glittering ceremony is attracting people from across the world.

Coordinator of the BeyondTV video festival, Helen iles said today-
‘We are expecting a record turnout for this sixth year of BeyondTv and the MISTY ceremony is a tongue in cheek celebration of media activism. The camcorder has now put video making into the hands of the wider public. Our festival aims to showcase the people with imagination who are presenting issue’s often overlooked or misunderstood by the mass media.’

MISTY’s will be presented to Swansea artists, media activists and video makers. Nominations for The ‘Best use of a Cream Pie’ include the recent targeting of ‘Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson. Nomination for ‘Best Interview technique’ includes Sir Bob Geldof for sticking this tongue into the camera lens to dodge an interviewers difficult question.

Tickets cost £20 (£15 concession), which include a buffet dinner, are now available from 01792 463980. All proceeds raised will support a Swansea based arts charity*.

BeyondTv is supported by Arts Council of Wales, Swansea Council & the media development agency for Wales, SGRIN.
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Notes to editor:
Photographs are available of Mark Thomas being awarded. Call 01792 455900 or 07973 298359
BeyondTv festival takes place on November 25, 26 and 27th at the Dylan Thomas Centre. Tickets are available from 01792 463980
BeyondTv programme online www.undercurrents.org/beyondtv
Arrange interviews call Paul on 01792 455900 or 07973 298359
*All proceeds to undercurrents, an arts charity based on Pier Street, Swansea