We need your help in to shape the bid for Pontypridd to be the first UK Town of Culture! The UK Town of Culture is a new, UK-wide initiative led by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), building on the success of the UK City of Culture programme. For the first time, towns of all sizes are invited to showcase their creativity, cultural heritage and unique stories, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and accessible culture.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, in partnership with Pontypridd Town Council, will be expressing an interest in Pontypridd to be the UK Town of Culture 2028, which would provide a platform to highlight the area’s rich culture and heritage offer and place Pontypridd firmly on the UK’s cultural map.
The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver an ambitious cultural programme in 2028, running for approximately six months. In addition, two shortlisted towns from each size category will each receive £250,000 to support the development and delivery of elements of their bid.
As a UK-wide programme, the UK Town of Culture represents a significant opportunity to celebrate the vital role that towns play in the nation’s cultural identity.
The Council and Town Council want to develop the bid in collaboration with residents, businesses, community groups and other organisations. Everyone is invited to attend a series of community workshops where officers and partners will be on hand to talk about what a Town of Culture bid could mean for Pontypridd.
Join us on:
Tuesday 24th Feb: 4pm - 6pm - Pontypridd Library
Thursday 26th Feb: 11am - 1pm - Parc Arts, Treforest
Saturday 28th Feb: 10.30am - 12pm - Pontypridd Museum
We invite you to share your views and help us:
- Identify the shared culture that connects us
- Celebrate the people, places, and ideas that make Pontypridd special
- Highlight the town’s creativity, heritage, and future potential
- Engage and involve as many people as possible
Councillor Scott Emanuel, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We encourage all residents, local businesses, artists, community organisers, and all who are passionate about Pontypridd’s futureto attend the workshops and help shape this important bid. This is an opportunity to influence how our stories are told, how culture is celebrated locally, and how Pontypridd could be represented on a national stage. Whether you are part of a community group, a business, a creative organisation or are simply passionate about the area, your ideas and perspectives are vital.
“Our bid has undoubtedly been strengthened by the huge investment the Council has made across Pontypridd, much of it in partnership with Welsh Government. In recent years we’ve helped revitalise Y Muni as a thriving and sustainable arts and music hub, along with the YMa hub, the Llys Cadwyn development, and the Cwrt yr Orsaf extra care accommodation. We’ve also removed the derelict bingo hall buildings to create a public realm with new bus bays serving the lower end of town – while our ‘riverside plaza’ project is nearing completion at the former M&S site. Ongoing investment continues across the much-loved Ynsyangharad War Memorial Park, while Lido Ponty continues to thrive as the National Lido of Wales.
“We look forward to welcoming you and working together to develop a bid that truly reflects Pontypridd and our communities.”
Posted on 10/02/2026