For the first time in eight years, the Welsh language festival ‘Parti Ponty’ is back again and taking place in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd on Saturday 11th July between 10am – 5pm.

Organised by Pontypridd based charity Menter Iaith RCT, the event will showcase a wide range of groups and performers working in Welsh in the area, and also give the public an opportunity to pick up information on a wide range of services and groups operating in the Welsh language, from nursery provision, to after school clubs and holiday schemes.

Einir Sion, Chief Executive of Menter Iaith RCT says,

“Parti Ponty, the first one day Welsh festival ran with great popularity for 13 years. Requests for its return have been numerous, from Welsh speaking and non-Welsh speaking people alike. We are proud to bring this important event back and to show people from near and far what the Welsh language and Pontypridd, an iconic Welsh town, have to offer.”

It promises to be a great day out for all the family with lots of stalls, music and workshops from groups such as Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin, Coleg y Cymoedd and Mentrau Iaith Cymru. The Urdd Sports Village will offer the chance to have a go at tennis, archery, football or table tennis, all free of charge.

A large tepee – ‘Y Cwtsh’ will feature performances aimed at children and families including Martyn Geraint, Heini, Ffa-La-La and characters from S4C’s Cyw.

Whilst in the second tepee – ‘Y Lolfa’ there will be acoustic performances by Pontypridd harpist/singer Bethan Nia, Hannah Morgan Beynon, Brigyn and Jamie Bevan. Popular singer Kizzy Crawford from Merthyr is also on the bill and the day will finish with the well known group Y Bandana.

There will also be an opportunity to hear local talent alongside more established performers, with performances by Chroma, Iwan Davies, Ryan Barker and DJ Slammin’, entertaining the public throughout the afternoon.

BBC Radio Cymru presenter Magi Dodd will introduce the acts in ‘Y Lolfa’, whilst fellow presenter Tommo will be broadcasting from the event throughout the day. Magi Dodd says:

“This is a festival that welcomes everybody of all ages, background and language. Introducing fantastic acts on the day will be an honour and I, my family and friends will be there to enjoy the music, stalls, the welcome and of course the sunshine. Because the sun always shines on Ponty.”

‘Y Bont’ is a marquee aimed at Welsh learners and adults, and includes performances by Cor yr Einion, book launches by authors Jon Gower, Catrin Dafydd and Cyril Jones as well as talks, a quiz and panel discussions.

Choirs from local primary schools will also be singing at various times throughout the day in the town center and in the Park

This is a free event and includes local food stalls and a bouncy castle, so ideal for all the family.