The Ty Banc Canal Festival 2024 was a weekend to remember, bringing together the local community and visitors to celebrate the heritage, beauty, and spirit of the Neath Canal. It was a true testament to the power of community collaboration and the incredible people who made the event possible. Here’s a look back at the highlights and the hardworking individuals who made it all happen.

A Special Thanks to Our Guests and Supporters

We were honoured to welcome several distinguished guests who joined us in celebrating the festival. Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Louise Fleet and Robert Williams were among the VIPs who attended. Local councillors Dean Lewis and Leanne Jones also played key roles in ensuring the event’s success. Carolyn Harris MP was a supportive presence, as was Andrew Jenkins from Sioned Williams MS’s office, who lent their support throughout the festival.

We were also grateful to have members of the local community who contributed their expertise and time to make the event a success. Trefor Jones from the Resolven History Society led a fascinating Heritage Walk, guiding attendees through the historical significance of the canal. Greg Roberts from the Resolven Miner’s Welfare was instrumental in helping with technical issues, ensuring everything ran smoothly. John Jones from the Pontardawe Art Centre played a crucial role in helping set up the stage and gazebos, while Richard Hopkins ensured the music and sound were spot on.

A special mention goes to Dean Lewis, who, in addition to his official duties, was everywhere during the lead-up to the festival. He was a true jack-of-all-trades, helping solve last-minute challenges and keeping things on track when plans shifted in real-time.

The Community Behind the Event

The heart of the festival lies in the incredible community spirit that made it all possible. The Clyne Community Group worked tirelessly to build the festival’s games in the days leading up to the event. Their coconut shy game on the day was a hit, alongside their arts and crafts stall, which showcased the talents of local creators. It was truly a celebration of everything that makes our community special.

Music played a central role in the festival, with performances from two amazing acts. The Glynneath Male Choir set the tone with their powerful harmonies, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We were also thrilled to have Once in a Life, a talented group of Filipino musicians based in Swansea. The band, which started as a special performance for a friend’s 60th birthday, has since evolved into an outstanding amateur group. Their performance was a highlight, bringing energy and joy to the crowd.

Volunteers: The Backbone of the Festival

Our dedicated volunteers were the backbone of the festival. In the weeks leading up to the event, they worked tirelessly to prepare the festival grounds, putting up banners and flags, and ensuring that everything was ready for the big weekend. They also went the extra mile by spreading the word about the festival, distributing posters to local shops and businesses.

Despite the constant rain leading up to the festival, which left the ground too wet for the much-anticipated Lletty Bela Blue Texels pedigree sheep (the star of the show!), the volunteers never lost their enthusiasm. Their dedication and hard work ensured the festival remained a success, rain or shine.

The Festival Spirit

The Ty Banc Canal Festival 2024 was more than just a celebration of the canal’s history and heritage; it was a celebration of the people who make up our vibrant community. From the volunteers to the performers, to the local businesses and supporters, this event could not have been possible without the collective effort of everyone involved.

As we reflect on this year’s festival, we are already looking forward to Ty Banc Canal Festival 2025, where we hope to build on the success of this year and continue to celebrate the richness of our community. Thank you to everyone who made the festival a memorable occasion

Ty Banc couldn’t have done it without you!