Briton Ferry is gearing up to welcome the passenger ship Balmoral next Saturday (August 28th)
The passenger ship will sail up the Neath river into Briton Ferry Dock for the first time in 60 years on Bank Holiday Saturday for a special day cruise across the Bristol Channel to Ilfracombe to celebrate Great Western Railway’s 175th anniversary.
Hugh James, Secretary of the Brunel Dock project, said, “This is quote a coup for Briton Ferry and Neath Port Talbot Council to get this ship to take up a day cruise of the Bristol Channel for more than 60 years.
“It will be fitting that the ship will sail from the Quays Wharf next to the Brunel Dock outer entrance, celebrating 175 years of work by Brunel and especially his work on the Neath river and the floating dock at Briton Ferry, served by its unusual rope operated railway from the Afan Valley.”
Built in 1949, the Balmoral provided a ferry service to the Isle of Wight.
The passenger ship will depart from the council owned quay at 9am and return 12 hours later.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, will be on board for the historic voyage. He added, “This is an important day for Briton Ferry Dock.
“For the first time in 60 years we will see a passenger ship sail up the river and will remind people of the time when the dock was a vibrant and thriving port thanks to the genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
“This is the only event in South and West Wales to celebrate this landmark anniversary and I’m pleased Neath Port Talbot Council is able to help make this happen.”
Thanks to Communities First funding, a video has been produced to show during the trip telling the story about Brunel’s connection with Briton Ferry.
Demand for places is expecting to be high and tickets can be booked on line at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk or from the Princess Royal Theatre box office 01639 763214
Parking is available at Neath Port Talbot Council offices at the Quays. The charge is £2 for the day.
