Thousands of residents and visitors flocked to Tonypandy on Sunday for an outstanding fun-filled day to commemorate the centenary of the infamous riots which occurred in the town.
The unveiling of an iconic statue, a wonderful lantern parade and spectacular open-air concert welcomed more than 5,000 people to the town to remember the events of a century ago.
Run by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council in partnership with organisations from throughout the locality, Tonypandy 2010 has been a hugely successful series of commemorative events, including community plays, exhibitions, book launches and concerts.
On a clear Sunday afternoon – 100 years to the day since the striking miners clashed with police – Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cllr Russell Roberts joined guests and hundreds of visitors to unveil the newly refurbished Lady With the Lamp statue.
The iconic image stood in the town for over 60 years, and was paid for by the miners of the local “Scotch” Colliery. It was refurbished thanks to the Council who worked with Rhondda Civic Society, Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Arts and The Civic Trust for Wales.
Visitors flocked from as far a field as Coventry, Nottingham, Basingstoke and Paisley in Scotland to attend the day. Many were ancestors of former miners and policemen involved in the incidents of a century before.
A marquee on the De Winton Street car park was the venue for various stalls from the Rhondda Powerhouse Trust, the Council’s tourism department, Rhondda Heritage Park and Glamorgan Family History Society and the Cooperative Society. Historians Gwyn Evans and David Maddox also sold copies of their authoritative history of the riots.
Tonypandy Central Library was a hive of activity too with the competition results for the Cordell Saga prize. Also members of No Fit Circus attached, with a Penny Farthing rider, stilt-walkers and street entertainment.
Hundreds of schoolchildren and families walked from the old Town Hall passed the Powerhouse, which was the centre of the 1910 struggle, to the Asda car park where an open air concert took place, complete with an outstanding laser show and firework display.
Compered by broadcaster Nicola Heywood Thomas, the concert featured Cambrian Male Choir and RSD Dance Group. At the top of the bill was Pontypridd’s Tom Richards – fresh from his X Factor experience – and Tonypandy’s very own “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” star, Sophie Evans (pictured) who charmed the crowd.
Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cllr Russell Roberts said: “This was a truly outstanding day and the many thousands of people who attended were clearly impressed by the many activities on offer to mark the centenary of the riots.
“This was an important event to remember as the Riots led the way to the establishment of the minimum wage, so the wider effects of the incidents in Tonypandy in 1910 cannot be underestimated.
“Tonypandy 2010 was certainly a day to remember and it will go down in history as a milestone event in Rhondda Cynon Taf.”
Tonypandy 2010 is a series of activities financially supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. With funding from the European Regional Development Fund and The Valleys Heart and Soul, a three year campaign led by partnership organisations from the Western Valleys, Heads of the Valleys and The Valleys Partnership. The aim is to change perceptions of The Valleys, attract more tourists and bring long-term economic benefits to the area. The area has undergone major transformation with a total investment of £42 million and is now a flourishing tourism destination waiting to be explored.
