Christmas in Pontyclun

 

Pontyclun is bursting with festive cheer this Christmas, offering a packed calendar of events for all ages—from magical light displays to music, markets, and merry gatherings.

✨ Christmas Lights & Switch-On – Saturday 22 November
Pontyclun’s festive lights illuminate the town from mid-November through the New Year. The official switch-on ceremony begins at 5:15pm at the War Memorial, featuring a tractor parade by Llantrisant Young Farmers, a sketch from St Paul’s Players’ Robin Hood panto, and community carols. Local children have decorated the tree at Giles Gallery, with additional trees lit in Groesfaen, Ynysddu, and Brynsadler.

🎄 Christmas Fayre Extravaganza – Saturday 6 December
The heart of Pontyclun’s seasonal celebrations is the Pontyclun Christmas Fayre, held from 1pm to 5pm at Heol yr Orsaf car park, the Community Centre, and Café 50. With stalls, food trucks, games, and live entertainment, this free event is a festive feast for the senses. Expect performances from seven choirs and bands, including the Wiltshire Caledonian Pipes and Drums, and a visit from the traditional Mari Llwyd.

Children can meet Santa at the free grotto, funded by the Town Council, and receive a small gift. They can also join the Elf Flying School to learn how to pilot Santa’s sleigh. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations for the local food bank and register via Eventbrite for updates.

🎅 Santa Run – Sunday 7 December
Join the 10th annual Pontyclun Santa Run, now organized by Pontyclun Road Runners. Starting at 10am from Pontyclun Rugby Club (registration from 9am), this fun run welcomes all ages and abilities. It’s a great way to get active and festive at the same time.

🎶 Festive Music & Concerts
Pontyclun is hosting several Christmas concerts to raise money for charity and spread seasonal joy:

• Simply Singers at St David’s Church, Miskin – 9 December
• Sally’s Angels at St Paul’s Church – 10 December
• Cor Tadau at Pontyclun RFC – 16 December

On 17 December, folk duo Jackie Oates & John Spiers bring their enchanting Christmas concert to the Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club, performing traditional carols and tunes from across the UK.

🎭 Pantomimes & Performances
St Paul’s Players present Robin Hood at St Paul’s Church Hall on 24, 26, and 28 November, while the Pontyclun Institute & Athletic Club hosts Snow White on 2 January—a New Year’s Day tradition.

🌟 Other Highlights

• Bethel Church Nativity Trail: A sparkling forest walk open 6–7 December, with festive activities and refreshments.
• Christmas Cinema at Café 50: Screenings on 20 & 27 December and 3 January, tailored for people with dementia and their families.
• Christmas Quizzes: At the Athletic Club on 1 December and Pipeworks Bar on 20 December.

Pontyclun’s Christmas season is a joyful blend of tradition, community spirit, and festive fun. Whether you're shopping, singing, running, or simply soaking up the lights, there’s something magical for everyone.

Summer's here

 

It’s finally the school summer holidays, although the temperatures the last few months have meant it has felt like the middle of summer for a while now.

Not enough to stop us working hard at organising our Third Annual Food & Drink Festival. It’s one our favourite events of the year and we are so excited that we have our fantastic regulars along with a whole host of new sellers joining us for this fabulous event. We currently have 40 stalls booked in, bringing you an array of cuisine and drinks from around the world.

With an aim to get bigger and better each year we are adding fairground rides and other entertainment for kids this year, including facepainting and sand art for our budding David Hockney’s.

Music – well GTFM will be with us all afternoon playing a selection of family favourites so there will be something for all.

A full list is available on our website www.pontyclun.net We can’t wait to see you all again.

With the food festival in mind, please be aware that the Heol Yr Orsaf car park will be closed from Friday 22^nd August until late Saturday 23^rd August. Heol Yr Orsaf will be accessible for residents only and we do ask that no one parks in front of private houses or causes an obstruction for the people who live there. We will have parking available in Y Pant for visitors to the event.

For something different to do why not come to Pontyclun RFC on 9/10 August and cheer Wales’ players as they compete in the Pétanque Home nations championships. The event will feature about 250 of the UK’s best players and should be an enthralling event.

Over the last few months we have had so many volunteers, litter picking in our community. From school age children who litter pick weekly or for Welsh Bacc credit, Men’s Shed who do it every month come rain or shine, community groups, retired people and just members of our community who want to make a difference, so we would like to take this opportunity to thank them.

Since the changing of the bin schedules, we have seen an increase in the amount of litter on our streets, people like these are the ones who are not just complaining about it, they are doing something about it and helping to improve our community. We are we are very grateful for their continued support. If you are an individual or a group that would like to get involved with litter picking, please let us know. We keep a record of where litter picks take place and the areas where it seems to build up, so we can feed back and ensure that they are covered. Give us a call on 01443 238500 and we can help with the loan of equipment and safety items.

Whilst we are talking of volunteers if anyone wants to help with any of our Community events please contact us on 01443235800 if you can give up a few hours on a Saturday.

I know it seems early but perhaps a short mention of some of the things that are happening later in the year would be worth it – just so you can mark your calendars

Starting in October we aim to launch a quarterly artisan market in Pontyclun. This will be on the last Sunday of Oct/Jan/Apr and July. See our socials nearer the date for more information.

The Rugby club’s fireworks night will be Friday 7^th November another superb day in the Pontyclun calendar

On a more sombre note we will be commemorating Remembrance Day in Pontyclun, Miskin and Groesfaen on the 9^th November

The Christmas festivities will begin on the 22 November with the lighting of the tree and our main Christmas fayre will be on 6^th December, in Heol Orsaf as usual.

“August is the slow, gentle month that stretches out the longest across the span of a year. It yawns and lingers on with the light in its palms.” — Victoria Erickson

Our Summer events are coming think and fast

 

It’s our Birthday month Pontyclun…. We are 175 years old in June and we are planning a big birthday party, where everyone is invited. Officially it’s our Picnic in the Park event, but we’re making it bigger and better. The 14^th June, will see Pontyclun Park turn into the ultimate birthday bash, with cake, delicious food, plenty of refreshment stalls, the first ever Pontyclun’s Got Talent show, a Tug’o’War challenge, all your favourite sport and charity stalls, a historical photogallery, music, choirs, dog show and the finale will be a Rainbow Run, organised by the Friends of Pontyclun Primary. The fun starts at 12pm, free entry for all and this will be one you definitely do not want to miss. Further details available on our social media www.facebook.com/PontyclunCC

While we are talking about events, we would very much like to extend our heartfelt thanks, to everyone who got involved with our May VE 80 commemorations and celebrations. We were particularly pleased to see so many people come out and attend our commemoration at the War Memorial where we dedicated 3 new names.

The atmosphere and attendance in the park were phenomenal and yet again you blew us away with all your support. Thank you to the local shops and neighbours along Cowbridge Road who decorated and added a very celebratory feel driving through the town.

Pontyclun RFC will be holding their annual Ciderfest again this year. A fantastic live music and BBQ event. Tickets are available from the bar and more details available on their socials.

Over the last couple of months, we have been aware about the comments being made around policing and not seeing any officers or PCSO’s in our area. We had the local policing team call into the office at the beginning of May to assure us, while they are not on foot, they are doing regular patrols of the area in vehicles. If you do have any non-urgent issues, please still call 101 and 999 if it is an emergency. 

19^th to 25^th May, will see Pontyclun turn Blue for Dementia Week. Arc Wales are running a series of wonderful activities throughout the week, including the very touching and beautiful Memory Tree, outside Café 50. Well done to the organisers and everyone who took part in raising the awareness and profile of dementia and how it affects care partners and those living with this disease.

May your 2025 be blooming

On 8 May 2025, we mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the peoples, families and communities of our great nation coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe that so many millions paid the ultimate sacrificed to achieve it.

VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since. We will be commemorating and celebrating this historic anniversary with our VE Day event, taking place on Monday 5^th May. The event will start with wreath laying and a service at the Cenotaph at midday, we will then move into Pontyclun Park, where we will have Military re-enactment vehicles and other exciting items, a free Military assault course for the whole family to take part in, music, games and food and drink. We would like everyone to be part of this reflection and celebration, so please come along and enjoy the activities. Further details can be found on our social media page or on our website https://pontyclun.net/ve80-pontyclun/

Our event calendar is full this year and we will be following up VE80 with our very own historic celebration as PONTYCLUN turns 175!

In true fashion, we will be having a Big Birthday Bash in Pontyclun Park on Saturday 14^th June from midday. Expect lots of fun for all the family, including the first ever Pontyclun’s Got Talent, Talent Show, entry forms are available on our website. There are two categories, under 14’s and over 14’s, so if you can sing, dance, play, perform or just have an unusual skill we want to see you. There will be food, drink, games, music and so much more. This will be a birthday party you do not want to miss.

In other community news, Café 50 will be re-opening for our lunch service from Wednesday 23^rd April. The new caterers are the team behind Flavours, Pontyclun will be providing the same service you have come to know and love, along with a very similar menu. You may even recognise some of the faces. We hope you will offer the team all the support you gave the previous one and we look forward to welcoming you all back. The council have always promised to do their best to support this vital service in our community and recognise how much of a lifeline it is for so many. We are excited to welcome the new team and look forward to making more wonderful memories with them along with our old and new customers. Good Luck to them all.

As always if you have any questions, queries or suggestions for your community please drop us an email on community@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales

• “May is the most beautiful month of the year, a month alive with warmth colour. ...”—Fennel Hudson

Spring is sprung - we hope!

 

It’s the month when Spring starts to show and our plants start to grow. Let’s hope the sun starts shining and we all start thawing out a little first. It’s been a long winter.

Our first event of the year will take place on 1^st March, a St Davids Day Fayre. We have over 60 stalls coming along, so if you are around, please come and say hello. There will be something for all the family with indoor and outdoor spaces so whatever the weather you can still enjoy the experience.

Plans are still ongoing for our VE80 commemorations and our Big Birthday Bash taking place this summer. We will be putting further details out soon but if you want to save dates its 5^th May and 14^th June. We will have assault courses, music, stalls and foods.

 If you are interested in being involved with either or both events, please get in touch at community@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales

The closure of our local Lloyds bank will be concerning for lots of you. We have spoken to Lloyds who have assured us they will be providing a banking hub here instead. We haven’t had the full details yet, typically they run them weekly in a central location. We have offered to assist with finding them space and will again keep you updated as we go through this process.

I am sure that most of you are aware RCT Learning Curve have decided to change their project and as a result will be closing their provision at Café 50 towards the end of March. The Town Council will be taking over the running and groups will continue to meet as they do now. We have been in discussions with several interested parties in taking over the catering and we are hoping there will be no break in service for our users. We do not want to lose this provision and are doing our utmost to ensure it stays the warm, vibrant and welcoming hub it is.

Many of you will have seen the notices regarding installing double yellow lines in Pontyclun, in particular in streets around the new primary school. Many residents and businesses have expressed concerns about the loss of parking and issues it will cause older and disabled visitors, residents who will no longer be able to park near their houses and businesses who will lose customers. We have strongly disagreed with the scheme as proposed.

If you have any comments regarding the proposals or questions then contact RCT’s traffic team at trafficservices@rctcbc.gov.uk

As always if there is anything you would like to share or discuss about our community, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – 01443 238500.

 "Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is." — Jessica Harrelson

Pontyclun, having a great time this summer dispite the weather

Summer holidays have begun and that means its just over 3 weeks until our food festival, excitement is building. We can smell all the delicious treats on offer already. The festival takes place in the Heol Yr Orsaf Car Park, and we have nearly 40 stalls offering their delights this year, along with music, face painting and lots of fun for all the family. Event starts at 12pm, and there will be parking in the Football Club and Y Pant, so please follow the car parking signs and be respectful of the community when parking so as not to cause issues for residents living close the venue.

Urban Markets will be holding their annual Family Fun Day in the Park in July. Thank you to all the team for coming down to Pontyclun and putting on such a great day.

We have had lots of volunteering for litter picks over the last few months, so big thank you to Men’s Shed Pontyclun, as always, Pontyclun Road Runners, Luna Holistic and Pontyclun Brownies. Volunteering to help keep our community clean and tidy is very much appreciated. If you have a group or are an individual who would like to get involved, please contact our Community Engagement Officer on community@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales

Our Walking Rugby Team held their annual Festival at Pontyclun RFC at the end of June. Huge thank you to all the teams that travelled down and joined in the fun. It was a fantastic day, and the atmosphere was amazing, from supporters and players. If anyone would like to join in, we train twice a week – Monday evenings (6.30 at the Rugby Club) and Wednesday mornings (10.30 at Pontyclun Park). All ages and abilities welcomed.

Planning is under way for our Christmas Fayre, and we have a couple of spaces left. If anyone would like to take part, please do get in touch on the email address about or by calling 01443 238500. We are hoping to have even more stalls than usual and are always looking for new and exciting things to bring to the community.

The council offices will be working with a skeletal staff during the summer holidays so if you do need to get in touch regarding anything please bear with us.

Llantrisant Folk Group have a full programme over the next few weeks at Pontyclun Athletic Club:

Wed July 24: Truckstop Honeymoon - Hollerin' banjo, doghouse bass, witty songs.

Wed Aug 7: Les Barker Tribute Night - A mirthful evening as we remember Les.

Wed Aug 14: Song & Music night with Showcase: Wynford Jones & Geoff Cripps - Heartfelt songs of Valleys life.

Wed Aug 21: Gaudy Orde - Delightfully daft combo.

Wed Aug 28: Eilidh Steel & Mark Neal - Sizzling Scottish melodies and songs.

Wed Sept 4: Jake Leg Jug Band - The authentic sounds of Prohibition era America.

 

All that’s left to say, is have a fantastic summer and let’s hope the sun starts shining. See you all at the Food Festival.

“Any day in August is better than a day in January” – Keith Vik

Summer is here - hopefully!

“Feel the warmth outside and inside. Let this July roll out all your worries with its warm days and happening nights. Hello to July!” 

Well June flew past in a bit of a blur. With all the excitement of Picnic in the Park and the sun making an appearance on the day, it managed to feel like summer may have finally started.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event, either as a stall holder, visitor or volunteer. It was a fabulous day and we have had so much positive feedback, which is great. Next year we are hoping to be even bigger and better as it will be Pontyclun’s 175^th anniversary, so stay tuned and follow us on social media for all the updates.

Sticking with all the fun, Pontyclun RFC have their annual Ciderfest coming up on Saturday 13^th July. A full day of fun, with a BBQ and live music. Tickets are available behind the bar.

The following week – Sunday 21^st July, Urban Markets will be back for their Summer Fun Day in Pontyclun Park. I know it was a fabulous day last year so I’m sure this year will be even better. Keep an eye on local noticeboards for more information coming up.

We will be back for our Food Festival on Saturday 24^th August. We have some delicious food traders lined up this year, entertainment for all the family and of course our friends at The Pipeworks will be keeping us all hydrated throughout the day.

The Llantrisant Folk Group have a full programme throughout July at Pontyclun Athletic Club:

Wed July 3: Pete Morton - an unruly mix of comment and humour.

Wed July 10: Rattle on the Stovepipe - a touch of Old-Timey Americana.

Wed Jul 24: Truckstop Honeymoon - hollerin banjo/doghouse bass/witty songs.

Wed Aug 7: Les Barker Tribute Night - a mirthful evening as we remember Les.

All other Wednesdays are Song & Music Nights.

Moving on from the fun stuff, as many of you will have noticed, our gorgeous summer flowers have been planted and look fantastic. Unfortunately, this year we had 17 plants stolen out of them within the first week of planting. This is just awful and sad. The flowers come out every year, brightening up Pontyclun and making people smile. The cost to keep replacing them gets more expensive all the time. We have had to report this too police and thankfully most of the planters have CCTV covering them, so the footage will be reviewed.

I’m sure many of you will have seen or heard about the Safe Roads Pontyclun group that has been set up to try and campaign against the Forest Wood quarry plans. They held a protest in May on the zebra crossing and a large number of supporters turned out – Wales Online and ITV also did features on their work. Banners are available to show your support and they have set up a Go Fund Me page to take donations to assist with costs going forward. If you would like more information, please join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/saferoadspontyclun

 

Enjoy the final push before the summer holidays and lets hope the weather stays kind. If you have anything you would like us to chat about in our August piece, please get in touch on community@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales