People of all ages got involved in an event in the town’s centre to spread the word that the flagship Ponty’s Big Weekend event is back for 2011 – with hot boyband The Wanted as the headline act for the Saturday evening event. Staff from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Strategy, PR and Tourism department, which is organising the event, took to the streets with staff from Capital FM to announce the fantastic news.
Crowds of people – from mums and babies to pensioners and even police officers – were delighted to pose with promotional boards to show their support for an event that puts their town on the international music map.
All of those who had their pictures taken will also be entered into a prize draw to win free tickets to Ponty’s Big Weekend, which returns to beautiful Ynysangharad War Memorial Park on the weekend of July 23.
The Wanted, currently riding high in the charts with their smash single for Comic Relief, have already been confirmed as headline act for the Saturday evening and more news will be issued soon about support acts for that evening and the line-up for the popular, Sunday family day.
Tickets for the Saturday night show with The Wanted are on sale now priced £15 plus standard booking fee.
This year, proceeds from the booking fee will be donated to the Pontypridd War Memorial Appeal to build a lasting memorial in honour of those from the town who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the two World Wars and other conflicts abroad.
Cllr Maureen Webber, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Council Business, said: “Ponty’s Big Weekend continues to be the event of the year for residents and visitors alike. Every year the Council continues to attract high profile stars to our principal town.”
Christian Hanagan, Head of Strategy, Public Relations and Tourism at Council added: “We are once again certain that Rhondda Cynon TafPonty’s Big Weekend will be a huge success and are pleased we have been able to secure one of the hottest acts around at the moment to attract people in their thousands to Pontypridd.
“Our ability to secure such a commercially-successful act is testament to the reputation of Pontypridd and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to host such high-profile events.
“We have worked hard to create a flagship event that is now significant not only for Rhondda Cynon Taf, but for the South Wales region and are proud to be flying the flag and showcasing just what is on offer in this beautiful region.
“As in previous years the event will deliver a significant economic boost for the local economy in and around Pontypridd, which is currently undergoing a £10.5m major regeneration.”
Costain, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s construction partners in Pontypridd’s regeneration are the proud sponsor of Ponty’s Big Weekend 2011.
The return of Ponty’s Big Weekend forms part of the Valleys Heart and Soul campaign, an initiative running over three years in a bid to change perceptions and bring long-term economic benefits to the area.
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, helps raise the profile of Pontypridd and The Valleys and encourages people to think differently about the area. I am sure this years Big Weekend will be no exception.”
Book your Ponty’s Big Weekend tickets now by calling the RCT BoxOffice on 08000 147 111, Ticketline UK Cardiff on 029 2023 0130. You can visit the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, The Coliseum, Aberdare, or The Park and Dare Theatre, Treorchy to buy tickets or order online via www.rct-arts.co.uk, www.seetickets.com, www.ticketlineuk.com, www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
