Well it's nearly all over now!

 

What a lovely summer we have had this year, lots of glorious sunny weather with lazy hazy days to have a great time out and about. Hopefully you and your families have taken advantage and had a great time.

But it’s not over yet, our local wellbeing providers are arranging Pontyclun’s first ever Wellbeing Day on September 5^th with activities spread across Pontyclun park, The Meeting place and various studios.

We hope this will be a great event with lots of people coming and become one of our calendar highlights for the future. Just search online for more details

It was good to see Pontyclun in the national news again this year, this time in relation to the public response to a planning application for a data centre at Mwyndy. Irrespective of your views on data centres, it was really pleasing that so many residents were engaged in this process and had such strong feelings about the area.

September is when our sports clubs start up their seasons again (or finish in the case of our Cricket clubs) and Pontyclun has a rich history of punching above its weight.

The Town Council will shortly be unveiling 2 blue plaques in memory of some of our sporting heroes.

Tommy Rees (1904-1968) – Tommy, born in Pontyclun started his Rugby career at Pontyclun RFC before going on to play for Wales. He moved to Rugby league playing over 400 times for Oldham and winning a Great Britain cap in 1929. After he finished playing, he became a first-class Rugby league referee.

Enoch Jenkins (1892-1984) – Enoch was born in Miskin and competed as a sports shooter at 3 Olympic games 1920, 1924 and 1952 giving him a tremendous 30 years at the top of his sport. During that time, he had many career wins at home and internationally including a score of 99/100 at the 1948 Home nations championship.

Let’s hope that some of our current players reach the heights that these two reached in the past.

Now that the autumn is approaching, we are starting to think ahead towards Fireworks at Pontyclun RFC, our Remembrance commemorations in Groesfaen, Miskin and Pontyclun in November and then later the Christmas festivities across Pontyclun. We will keep you updated with dates/times as they are announced.

Back to 76, what a great summer

 

What a fantastic summer we've been having! After enjoying so much gorgeous sunshine, it's been wonderful to see Pontyclun buzzing with people making the most of the parks, local businesses and community events. It's a great reminder of what makes our village such a special place to live. As we head into August, we have another busy month ahead with plenty of opportunities to get together, have some fun and support our local community.

Families can also look forward to an Inflatables Fun Day in the park on Saturday 1st August. It's offering plenty of fun for children during the summer holidays, and we hope to see lots of families enjoying the day. Details on social media.

Our fourth Pontyclun Food & Drink Festival will take place on Saturday 29th August, and we're looking forward to another wonderful day celebrating great local food, drink and produce. The festival has grown year on year thanks to the support of residents, volunteers, traders and visitors, and we hope you'll come along to enjoy everything on offer while supporting our local businesses and producers.

Our Artisan Markets have also been a great success this year. It's been wonderful to see so many people browsing the stalls, meeting local makers and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere in the village. We're keen to continue the markets throughout the autumn, so if you're an artisan, craft maker, food producer or local business interested in taking part, we'd love to hear from you.

Keep your eyes out for advertising for a Wellness day in Pontyclun on 5^th September. This is a new event in our calendar which will hopefully add Pontyclun well and truly to the South Wales health scene.

The Town Council would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the Y Pant Welsh Baccalaureate students who have given their time to support the community through litter picking and other volunteering activities. Your hard work has made a real difference in keeping Pontyclun looking good, and your efforts are greatly appreciated by residents and the Council alike.

Not to forget our other volunteers who continue to give up their time to keep our town looking its best.

Finally, a reminder that the next meeting of Pontyclun Town Council will take place on Thursday 10th September. Residents are always welcome, and we encourage anyone with an interest in local matters to attend. If you would like to speak at the meeting, please email clerk@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales so a time slot may be allocated on the agenda.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and happy August, and we look forward to seeing you at our events throughout the month.

Summer is here! hooray

As the days get longer and the weather starts to improve, we're looking forward to a busy and exciting summer here in Pontyclun, with plenty of opportunities for residents to come together, have fun and celebrate everything that makes our community special.

First up is our annual Community Picnic in the Park on Saturday 13th June. This much-loved event is always a fantastic day out for families, friends and neighbours and this year was no different. There were community stalls, children's activities, games, entertainment, food and drink vendors, and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Pontyclun Park. The return of the Colour Run ended the day in spectacular style! Thank you to the volunteers of Friends of Pontyclun Primary for organising such a fun activity for all the kids.

Our popular Artisan Market returns on Sunday 19th July, bringing together a wonderful selection of local traders, producers, crafters and makers. Whether you're looking for handmade gifts, delicious local produce, sweet treats or something unique, there will be plenty to browse and enjoy while supporting small local businesses.

The summer fun continues with an Inflatable Fun Day on Saturday 1st August in Pontyclun Park. Expect giant inflatables, obstacle courses, activities for children and plenty of laughs for all ages. It's the perfect way to keep the youngsters entertained during the school holidays.

Food lovers should also make sure they mark Saturday 29th August in their diaries for our annual Food and Drink Festival. This event continues to grow each year and will showcase some of the very best food, drink and artisan producers from across the region. It's a great opportunity to discover new flavours, meet local producers and enjoy a fantastic day out in the heart of the community.

Away from our events programme, we're also excited that thanks to Dulux and VIY, we have a fresh new look for our much-loved community hub, Cafe 50. The Council is continually exploring improvements to the facility to ensure it continues to meet the needs of local residents and will for years to come. As part of this refresh, there will also be some other new changes coming. We will keep you posted.

As always, none of these events and projects would be possible without the support of our volunteers, community groups, local businesses and residents. Thank you for helping make Pontyclun such a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer!

 

Llantrisant Folk club activities

Wednesday July 8th: SParky Samba Showcase. Participating in a Samba percussion band has been shown to be a therapeutic activity for those in the Parkinson's community.  SParky Samba Cardiff, has brought the rhythms that are fundamental to both Parkinson's and Samba into a mixed performance of percussion and spoken word.  The result has drama, humour, honesty and can be loud! It offers a mainly positive glimpse of life with Parkinson's. Collection buckets will be shaken.

Wednesday July 15th: Mark Dowding. Songs and stories from Lancashire.

Wednesday August 12th: Sherburn, Bartley, Sanders. Soul-stirring songs and witty banter.

Wednesday August 26: We Mavericks (Oz/NZ). Soulful harmonies and driving rhythms.

 

All other Wednesdays are Song & Music Nights featuring local singers, musicians and poets.

At Pontyclun (Institute) Athletic Club, Palalwyf Ave, CF72 9EH. 8.30pm start.

Summer is round the corner and we are getting our party hats on

 

As we head into the summer months, there’s plenty happening in our wonderful community and we’re looking forward to seeing residents out and about enjoying everything Pontyclun has to offer.

One of the highlights of the summer will be our much-loved Picnic in the Park, taking place on Saturday 13th June from 12pm onwards. This fantastic community event promises an afternoon full of fun, food, music and activities for all ages. We would like to say a huge thank you to Elizabeth Law for kindly sponsoring the event this year.

To round off the day in spectacular style, there will be a Colour Run at 4pm, courtesy of the wonderful Friends of Pontyclun Primary School. We know many families are already excited for this colourful finale, and more details will be shared very soon — so keep an eye on our social media pages and noticeboards.

We also want to take a moment to thank all of the amazing volunteers and Welsh Baccalaureate students who have been helping keep Pontyclun looking its best over the past few weeks. Their efforts litter picking around the streets, parks and public spaces have made a real difference and are hugely appreciated by the whole community. It’s fantastic to see people of all ages giving up their time to help care for the area we all share.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering locally, now is a great time to get involved. There are lots of different ways people can help within the community — from events and environmental projects to supporting local activities and groups. Whether you can spare an hour or more regularly, we’d love to hear from you, so please do get in touch with the Town Council to find out more.

Looking ahead, there are more dates for the diary too! Our popular Food Festival will return on 29th August, bringing together delicious food, local producers and plenty of community spirit. Before that, families can also enjoy the Fun Day in the Park on 1st August, which is always a brilliant day out for children and residents alike.

Finally, we would like to thank our local police teams for continuing to stay on top of inconsiderate parking, particularly around sports fields and schools. Their support in helping keep roads safer and access clear for everyone is greatly appreciated.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe, happy and busy summer in Pontyclun, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

 

 

Its Hotting up in Pontyclun

Pontyclun is gearing up for one of its most vibrant periods of the year, with May and early June bringing a packed calendar of community events, cultural activities, and opportunities to celebrate everything that makes our town special. From awareness campaigns to live music, family fun days, and sporting pride, the coming weeks promise something for everyone.

Dementia Action Week – 18–24 May

Pontyclun will once again join communities across the UK in marking Dementia Action Week, running from 18–24 May. Led nationally by the Alzheimer’s Society, the campaign encourages people and organisations to take action to support those affected by dementia and to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and community understanding. Locally, Pontyclun will be “turning blue” with a series of activities and awareness‑raising events designed to bring people together and highlight how we can all play a part in creating a dementia‑friendly community.

Love Pontyclun Week – 24–31 May

Immediately following Dementia Action Week, the town will celebrate Love Pontyclun Week, a chance for residents, businesses, and community groups to showcase local pride and our shared love for each other. This event now in its second year is organised by Bethel Church

Picnic in the Park – Saturday 13 June

One of Pontyclun’s flagship annual events, Picnic in the Park, returns to Pontyclun Park on Saturday 13 June. This much‑loved afternoon brings together food stalls, games, activities, bouncy castles, live music, and a host of community groups. The event will feature around 30 stalls, fairground rides, a colour run, and the announcement of this year’s Freedom of the Town recipient.

Picnic in the Park 2026 is sponsored by Elizabeth Law

Rugby Festivals Throughout May

Pontyclun RFC will also be buzzing with activity as the Minis, Juniors, and Girls’ sections host a series of rugby festivals throughout May. These events offer a brilliant opportunity to support young players, enjoy grassroots sport, and celebrate the club’s growing success.

Pontyclun Sporting Hall of Fame – Call for Nominations

The Town Council is launching a Sporting Hall of Fame to honour individuals connected to Pontyclun who have won National honours or competed internationally. Residents are encouraged to submit names of local sporting heroes who deserve recognition for their achievements.

Llantrisant Folk Club – Live Music in May and June

Music lovers can enjoy a rich programme from the Llantrisant Folk Club, hosted at Pontyclun Athletic Club. Highlights include Ruth & Ken Powell (6 May), Ian Bruce & Kev Green (13 May), Over the Moon (27 May), and Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner (17 June).

Spring into the Community Spirit

After the dreary days of January and February — both total washouts — and with Welsh Rugby still struggling to find its rhythm on the pitch, we can at least take comfort in one thing: spring is finally on the horizon! We may even hold the honour of being the only town in the UK that didn’t see a single snowflake this winter, but brighter days are ahead, and local events are beginning to bloom once more.

Kicking things off is the St David’s Day Fun Day at Pontyclun Athletic Club on Sunday 1st March. Running from 12pm – 4pm, the event promises something for everyone — from craft and food stalls to children’s games and family-friendly activities. Two local choirs will also take to the stage to provide some wonderful entertainment throughout the day.

Later in the month, Urban Markets returns on Saturday 28th March with their Easter Market on Heol Yr Orsaf. Expect plenty of treats, gifts, and local makers — more details will be announced soon on our social media pages, so keep an eye out!

In more fantastic local news, Café 50 recently announced they’ve won a Community Makeover Competition, run by Dulux. We’ll be sharing all the details in the coming weeks — and we might just need a little help from you! Keep an eye on our updates to find out how you can get involved in this exciting project which may involve a visit or two from the Dulux dog.

We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to our dedicated litter champions, who continue to make our community cleaner and brighter. One local gent alone collected 28 bags of rubbish in just three weeks — an incredible achievement that deserves recognition. Because of his hard work (and others like him), that’s 28 bags of rubbish no longer cluttering our streets.

If you’d like to help, make a difference too, whether as an individual or part of a group, please get in touch with our office. We can supply litter pickers and bags, kindly provided by Keep Wales Tidy.

Talking about helping make our  Community better the Council recently helped fund the creation of new floral planters in Heol yr Orsaf which will be managed by the local residents. We particularly want to thank Craig who has led this project from the start.

Let’s welcome spring together — with cleaner streets, community pride, and plenty of local fun!

3^rd March will see the launch of the pilot section of the Welsh forest Trail. Starting for Porthkerry going to Penydarren going through or past as many National Forest sites as they can this aims to be the start of a long-distance trail going all the way to North Wales. We are delighted that the trail will pass through Pontyclun (we do have 4 National Forest Woodlands after all) and hope that this will help us grow our visitor numbers and help our shops, cafes and bars.

Interestingly this takes the number of long distance walks we have “visiting us” to 4 – the River Ely trail starts here on its way to Cardiff and the Penhrys Pilgrimage and Valeways Millenium trails both pop into Pontyclun.

In other news the Llantrisant Folk Club host Song and Music Night every Wednesday at Pontyclun Athletic Club, along with some special guests:

Wed Mar 4: Geoff Lakeman. It's St David's Day and St Piran's Day this week, so Cornish musician and singer Geoff comes to join the celebrations. 
Wed Mar 25: Dana Robinson. From Vermont USA, Dana returns with his authentic sounds of America. 
Wed Apr 8: Steve Turner. Consummate concertina and mandolin player, stretching the boundaries of the tradition.

Wed Apr 22: Sarah McQuaid. Stunningly gorgeous songs.

Pontyclun Looks Ahead: Strength, Community, and a Packed Year to Come

Happy 2026 — the Year of the Horse. A fitting symbol, perhaps, for what lies ahead: strength, freedom, and passion, all qualities that Pontyclun has demonstrated in abundance over the past twelve months.

If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that Pontyclun knows how to celebrate, reflect, and move forward together. It was a landmark year, marking 175 years of Pontyclun history, and the calendar was nothing short of spectacular. From the national significance of VE80 commemorations to the homegrown buzz of Pontyclun’s Got Talent and a special St David’s day fair the year delivered moments of pride, creativity, and togetherness in equal measure.

There were milestones too: the first ever honour of Freedom of the Town the biggest Food Festival we have ever hosted and a tractor run to beat all tractor runs  — a clear sign that Pontyclun’s appetite for community events is only growing. Alongside the excitement came change. New businesses opened their doors, bringing fresh energy, while some long-standing favourites sadly said goodbye. Through it all, one thing remained constant: a strong, supportive community creating memories together. It was, by any measure, a whirlwind year.

Now, with that momentum firmly behind us, Pontyclun is ready to take on 2026 — and do it all again.

Much-loved events are set to return, including the ever-popular Picnic in the Park, the Food Festival, and the Christmas Fayre. There’s even talk of festive tractors and pipe bands making a return appearance later in the year. Dates and full details will be confirmed soon, but one thing is certain: there will be plenty of opportunities for families, friends, and neighbours to come together once more. Those keen to get involved are warmly encouraged to reach out via community@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales.

Last year also marked a new chapter in how events were supported, with local businesses stepping forward as sponsors for the first time. Their involvement went far beyond logos and donations — they judged talent competitions, supported activities, and played an active role in village life. Special thanks go to JNP Solicitors, Elizabeth Law, Little Inspirations Nursery, and Leekes of Llantrisant, whose generosity helped make 2025’s events such a success. Their support was instrumental in bringing people together and strengthening community spirit.

The invitation is open once again for 2026. Any local businesses interested in sponsoring individual events — or the full programme — are encouraged to get in touch and be part of what promises to be another standout year.

Beyond events, there’s plenty happening behind the scenes.

Work continues on reopening the lower section of Ivor Woods, with hopes set on early spring. Discussions are underway with RCT to purchase land for a new car park in Pontyclun, and plans are also in place to improve safety with new lighting along the Ynysddu cycle path. Updates on all developments will be shared as progress continues.

The Town Council has met to set its budget for 2026-27 and we are pleased to say our precept will sightly decrease this year. We are also starting the planning to bring Tyla Garw formally into the Pontyclun family in April 2027.

All in all, 2026 is shaping up to be busy, ambitious, and full of promise. If the Year of the Horse is about forward motion and vitality, Pontyclun is already well into its stride.