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.

Happy New Year

 

Here we are at the start of a brand-New Year Again. It doesn’t feel like it’s been 12 months since the last time we were here, in fact, who do we speak to about missing months?!

We can’t start this year off without recapping on the last event and saying…….

A Heartfelt Thank You for Making Our Wet and Windy Christmas Fayre Shine

Despite the rain, the wind, and the determinedly un-festive weather, our community proved once again that Christmas spirit is stronger than any storm. This year’s Christmas Fayre may have been soggier than planned, but thanks to you—our wonderful residents, performers, and stall holders—it was every bit as joyful and uplifting as we hoped it would be.

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the elements to come along. Seeing families wrapped in coats and scarves, smiling beneath umbrellas, reminded us how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive and enthusiastic community. Your presence turned a grey December day into one filled with colour and cheer.

We also want to express our sincere gratitude to the local choirs and bands who filled the air with music despite the drizzle. Their performances brought warmth and magic, creating that unmistakable Christmas atmosphere even as the weather tried its best to dampen it. The dedication of these talented groups—singing with frozen fingers or keeping instruments dry between gusts—did not go unnoticed, and we appreciate every note.

A special thank you must go to our stall holders, too. Setting up in wet and windy conditions is no small task, yet they arrived with smiles, festive displays, and an unshakeable commitment to supporting the event. Their creativity and resilience helped make the fayre a success, offering everything from handmade gifts to delicious treats and brightening the day for everyone who visited.

While the weather might not have been on our side, the spirit of the community certainly was. Your support, energy, and togetherness are what make events like this possible—and memorable.

Thank you all for making the Christmas Fayre a shining example of what our community can achieve rain or shine. Here’s to many more celebrations together, hopefully under clearer skies!

January is dull and grey, so we will be putting our heads together and trying to come up with some fun new ideas for our annual events, we will be announcing the date the nominations for Freedom of the Town will open and we will share what we have and will be up to in the community this year. As always we are always looking for volunteers, so if you have started off 2026 with some spare time on your hands, please get in touch with the Clerk to the Council at clerk@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales. If you have any other news, events, fundraisers or outstanding contributions you would like us to shout about, please contact the Engagement Officer at community@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales

In the meantime we wish you all a very Happy & Healthy New Year, here’s to 2026 being filled with love and laughter for all.

 

Llantrisant Folk Group will be back this month –

Wed Jan 7: Andy Coleman presents The Burning Question. A nostalgic interactive evening.
Wed Jan 14: Showcase: The Guildhall Players present A Child's Summer in Wales by Steve Lamb. Supported by  our usual host of regulars.
Wed Feb 11: John Alderslade. A rich fund of songs and stories.

All other Wednesdays are Song & Music Night.