Port Talbot has officially launched its campaign to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028, inviting people across the town and the wider Afan Valley to help shape an ambitious bid that puts the community at the heart of its story.
The Port Talbot Town of Culture 2028 ‘Say It Proud. Port Talbot’ campaign will be holding a series of face-to-face community engagement events, Say it Proud Sessions, over the coming weeks.
Designed to hear directly from local people about what culture means to them and what they want to see in the town’s future, the Say It Proud Sessions will take place across Port Talbot and the Afan Valley.
At these feedback sessions, residents, community groups, businesses, artists, creatives, young people and organisations from across the area are being asked to help shape the events and initiatives that will be included within the bid, to truly reflect the interests of the community and celebrate culture from all corners of the town and the Afan Valley.
Upcoming Say It Proud sessions include:
6th October – a free, ticketed event at the New Plaza for creative practitioners and anyone who works or volunteers in the cultural sector to provide their feedback on ideas for the bid.
9th October – Cwmafan Library free drop-in session, welcoming everyone who wants to share their thoughts.
10th October – Aberafan Shopping Centre free drop-in session, where anyone interested can share ideas on what Port Talbot’s UK Town of Culture bid should include.
14th October – a ticketed event ‘The Founder Network with Richard Hibbard’ at the Sand Rabbit Bar and Grill, where Port Talbot’s UK Town of Culture bid team members will be on-hand to hear ideas.
22nd October – Free Neath CVS Roadshow at Sandfields Methodist Church. Port Talbot’s UK Town of Culture bid team members will attend and take feedback from the public.
23rd October – Pre-kick off drop in at Trefelin Boys and Girls Club Football Grounds, welcoming the public to share their thoughts.
29th October – Croeserw Family Fun Day drop-in, allowing everyone to give their feedback on bid ideas.
For those who can’t attend the events, the Town of Culture Partnership has launched a survey to capture the opinions of locals and ensure as many people as possible can contribute to the co-created bid.
The details of events, and supporting cultural stories, will also be shared via the campaign’s new official website, www.porttalbottownofculture.wales, its social media channels, and email newsletters.
Port Talbot is bidding as a medium-sized town and, if successful, would receive £3 million to deliver a year-long programme of cultural activity in 2028. Two other finalist towns would each receive £250,000 to develop their own cultural programmes.
The bid aims to shine a light on the creativity, talent, heritage and community spirit that already exists across Port Talbot and the Afan Valley.
Port Talbot has long been shaped by industry, but its story is also one of creativity and resilience. From its world-famous connections to actors Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Sheen, to its growing street art, music, Welsh language and community-led cultural activity, the town has a rich cultural identity waiting to be celebrated.
Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:
“This bid is about Port Talbot telling its own story, in its own voice. We know there is an extraordinary amount of creativity, talent, passion and community spirit across our town and the Afan Valley, and we want to hear from the people who live, work and create here.
“We are encouraging members of the public and those who work, train or volunteer in the cultural sector to share their thoughts on what should be included in the bid, what sorts of cultural events they’d like to see, and what they think makes Port Talbot so special.”
Gemma Charnock, Chair of the Neath Port Talbot Culture Partnership, said:
“The creative, cultural scene in Port Talbot is thriving, and there are so many community groups and organisations working to engage more people and enrich lives through culture. We want to hear from those organisations, and also from individuals across Port Talbot and the Afan Valley to make sure no story goes untold.
“The bid offers a unique opportunity to showcase all that this region has to offer, and we know the community will welcome the chance to celebrate the unique spirit and sense of belonging that Port Talbot’s culture brings to us all.”
The engagement programme will run throughout October ahead of the November submission deadline, with the ideas, ambitions and stories gathered from communities helping to shape the final Town of Culture 2028 submission.
The town will then await the outcome, with the successful Town of Culture 2028 announced in February 2027.
The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver its programme of cultural activity throughout 2028, creating an opportunity to put culture at the heart of the town’s future and leave a lasting legacy for the community.
