Aberdare Festival

Aberdare Festival is back – with a two-day extravaganza to celebrate its 2022 return!

The ever-popular event in Aberdare Park has been extended this year to include celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Free family fun and entertainment, as well as a funfair, food stalls and live entertainment have already been confirmed for the festival on June 3 and 4.

Further activities and attractions are set to be confirmed in the coming months but, one thing is guaranteed, it will be a great couple of days out for all the family – with a Royal celebration to top the weekend off.

Councillor Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “After a difficult and challenging time for many people across the county borough, it is great to see the events programme starting back up – we know people have missed it.

“Aberdare Festival is always a firm favourite because entry is free and there is so much on offer for people of all ages. It’s a great way for the Council and its events team to bring people together.

“It will be the first time we have been able to bring our communities together like this since 2019, so it will already be a very special occasion.

“The 2022 Aberdare Festival will also see extra celebrations and activities to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Aberdare Park already has royal connections. The fountain was gifted to the people of the town to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth’s great-grandfather, King George V.”

Aberdare Festival takes place in stunning Aberdare Park on June 3 and 4. Entry is free and the event will run from 11am to 5pm both days. As well as being home to the festival, the park has acres of open spaces, a Victorian lake with boats, adventure playground and lots more to explore: 

FREE Entertainment

Live Stage Acts
On Friday 3rd June, the stage will feature tribute acts to Steps, The Vengaboys, Little Mix and Beyonce
On Saturday 4th June, The DB Big Band will bring their swingtastic sound to Aberdare Park!

Outdoor Cinema
Stay tuned for details of our outdoor screening on Friday 3rd June at 4pm!  Bring a picnic rug and settle down for the show

Dino Enclosure
Come and meet Raptor, Rexy and their rangers for some roarsome fun!

Land Train
Jump aboard the popular Land Train and travel around the park in style

Circus Skills and play workshop
Head over to the circus skills area with the kids for some outdoor fun!

Parkour Workshop
Learn some new skills at the free parkour area

Petting Farm
The ever popular petting farm is back!

Balloon Modelling
Why not take a balloon animal home with you as a souvenir?

There’s also a large funfair, Donkey Rides, Craft and food stalls and more.  Costs for these activities start at £1.50.

If you are visiting the area for the Festival, why not stay a little longer and explore historic Aberdare, known as the Queen of the Valleys. You can even stay on the caravan site at nearby Dare Valley Country Park or the welcoming Dare Valley Cottage.

Plan your weekend right and you might even be able to fit in a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Zip World Tower, which has the world’s fastest seated zip line, Phoenix, and the Tower Coaster.  Or if you prefer an experience back in time, head to A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park, for an award-winning Black Gold Underground Tour, led by men who were once coal miners.

Aberdare Festival 2022 is sponsored by Nathaniel Cars, who have been keeping the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf and beyond on the road for more than 35 years, as a trusted car dealers with branches in Cardiff and Bridgend.  

If you would like to sponsor one or more of our 2022 What’s On RCT events, you can find out more here:

What’s On RCT are inviting businesses to hold stalls and exhibitions at the festival. Whether you sell cupcakes or hand-made candles then we want to hear from you! Join us and make the day extra special for our visitors – it’s also a great way to raise the profile of your business.

You can download application forms here.

The final details of Aberdare Festival, including the full timetable of events and attractions throughout the weekend, will be published on the What’s On RCT Facebook, twitter and Instagram. You can also visit www.aberdarefestival.co.uk to find out more.