Rhondda Cynon Taf has once again played host to some of the UK’s biggest and best music acts as Ponty’s Big Weekend returned to deliver yet another phenomenal concert.
Thousands of people from across the UK flocked to beautiful Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd to enjoy a world-class concert headlined by The Wanted, currently taking the music world by storm with number one and Brit-Award nominated hits.
Also performing to the crowds were soul sensation Dionne Bromfield, Starboy Nathan, Twenty Twenty and local talents Jay Worley, Sophie Evans and Tom Richards.
And just hours after the hot acts stepped off the stage tonight having delivered electric performances, organisers are now getting ready for the free family event today (Sunday) which will boast yet another stellar line-up, including operatic sensation Paul Potts, Natasha Marsh, All Angels and yet more local talent.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council organised the flagship event in partnership with Orchard Entertainment and construction partner Costain to showcase the County Borough, raising its profile and supporting local businesses.
Supported by the Valleys Heart and Soul campaign, Ponty’s Big Weekend was named as one of the top events in the region to enjoy this summer and is further proof of the ongoing effort to raise the profile of The Valleys as a must-see destination.
Christian Hanagan, Head of Strategy, PR and Tourism at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “For the fourth consecutive year, the Council and its partners have organised and hosted an event that has attracted national attention to Rhondda Cynon Taf and offered people from all walks of life access to performances from some of the hottest acts in the UK right now.
“We are proud of our County Borough and all it has to offer and hope events such as Ponty’s Big Weekend inspires local residents, encourages more outside visitors and provides a welcome boost to our businesses and local tourism industry.
“Just hours ago, the UK’s number one boyband and support stepped off the stage following a concert that was a huge coup for us to have delivered. But there is still more to come, as global sensation Paul Potts and an incredible line-up prepare to entertain audiences tomorrow.”
Pablo Janczur, Director of Orchard Entertainment said: “This is probably the first time an artist at Number 1 in the Singles chart has played in Ponty, and that’s a great coup for the Council, and a proud boast for the people of Rhondda Cynon Taff. It was a great night and we’re looking forward to another sell-out crowd for Sunday night.”
Brian Greaves Community Relations Manager for Costain said, ‘We are really pleased to be supporting this event and working with the Council and Orchard to
bring some really top acts to Pontypridd. It was an exceptional day and we would like to think that everyone enjoyed themselves and that supporting such events will help the regeneration programme to bring more people and business to the town.”
Vicki Spencer, Campaign Manager for the Heart and Soul Campaign said: “The Valleys is fast becoming a must see tourist destination. The involvement of high profile stars in the Heart and Soul Campaign such as The Wanted, Paul Potts and Sophie Evans, helps raise the profile of Pontypridd and The Valleys and encourages people to think differently about the area. This year’s Big Weekend is no exception.”
