Great British Food Festival returns to Margam Country Park

The Artisan Market is a great way to discover new producers including vegan and gluten-free treats amongst the many stalls. Explore food trends and tantalise your taste buds with street food.

Chef demonstrations will include Tony Alberti, a chef, cookbook author, and television personality known for his bold, flavour‑driven approach to Italian cuisine and his deep-rooted passion for cooking. 

With Tuscan roots and a culinary education, Tony’s love for food began cooking alongside his nonna in a kitchen that valued simplicity, honesty, and time. His nonna grew up on the family farm, where food came straight from farm to table — seasonal, local, and full of life. From her, Tony learned more than just recipes; he learned patience, respect for ingredients, and the art of slow cooking. She passed down more than recipes — she passed down a way of life.

There’s plenty of space to explore the magnificent estate at Margam Country Park where visitors can take part in a foraging masterclass. This is a guided stroll in the parkland to discover a variety of plants and fungi that are edible or medicinal and that grow naturally in the grounds. The taster walks are a real eye opener and a great way to see the incredible grounds.

Discover new food producers such as LumberjAxe, fresh from their success on BBC television hit show Dragon’s Den. Brothers Brendon and Jaydon of Lumberjaxe and Kadai Fire Bowls have teamed up to bring you the Fire Stage. Hosted by Wayne of Daddy Bear Grills, the smell of smoke and rich aromas from cooking over live fire are not one to be missed. Wayne will explain techniques, fire management, getting the best from your Kadai, and providing tasters featuring Lumberjaxe products. 

The family behind the Great British Food Festival are celebrating 15 years of hosting the popular events and will be going all out to make this year extra special. 

Janine Maycock says: “Margam Country Park is such a fantastic setting. Visitors get to experience high quality food and drink in one of the most beautiful country house estates in Wales.

“The festival aims to bring people together through a shared love of food and offers a range of activities including the Chilli Challenge, the legendary Cake-Off, Foraging Walks, and more.

“With plenty of bars, a local crafts and gift marquee and a vast artisan market showcasing the best local produce, visitors are in for a treat.

“Access to this stunning location is included in the ticket ensuring a great day out.”

Live music will be performed throughout the weekend from a diverse range of artists. There is a play area and kids cookery classes, making it a winning day out for families, whilst the event is dog friendly.

Details: Great British Food Festival Margam Country park, Port Talbot Wales

September 6- 7  10am until 5pm

Tickets are available here https://greatbritishfoodfestival.com/tickets.php

Social media Instagram @greatbritishfoodfestival

[lead image: Great British Food Festival]

#foodFestival #MargamCountryPark

Swansea Bay parks and green spaces recognised among world’s best with Green Flag awards

Keep Wales Tidy has confirmed that Wales now flies more Green Flag Community Awards than any other country worldwide, with a record-breaking 315 sites recognised this year — including 223 community spaces.

Among the winners are six of Swansea’s main parks, including Clyne Gardens, Singleton Botanical Gardens, Brynmill Park, Parc Llewelyn, Cwmdonkin Park and Victoria Park. All are managed by Swansea Council and welcome thousands of visitors annually.

Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Our city is blessed with some beautiful parks which we are proud of and work hard to maintain. They all provide a space where families and visitors can relax, have fun and enjoy the outdoors. I’m thrilled that these locations have been recognised on a national level.”

Additional Green Flag Awards have been given to Swansea University Singleton Campus, Penllergare Valley Woods, and Mount Pleasant Hospital, managed by Coastal Housing Group.

Thirteen community-based gardens and green spaces in Swansea also received Green Flag Community Awards, including Friends of Coed Gwilym Park, Pontlliw Park, Swansea Canal, Mayhill Washing Lake & Community Food Garden, Swansea Community Farm and Coedbach Park.

Cllr Francis-Davies added: “It’s great to see a large number of community gardens get recognition for what they offer residents. This is largely down to community groups and volunteers, who take it upon themselves to look after these green spaces and make sure that wherever you live in Swansea, there is certain to be somewhere nearby that families can visit.”

In Neath Port Talbot, a wide range of parks and gardens have also achieved Green Flag status, including Gnoll Estate Country Park, Margam Country Park, Talbot Memorial Park, Victoria Gardens, and Swansea University Bay Campus Grounds.

Community Awards were also given to Amman Valley Trotting Club, Cilybebyll Community Growers, Craig Gwladus Country Park, The Friends and Neighbours Centre, Gardd y Pobl, Sandfields Community Garden, Cwmafan Community Orchard, Glantawe Riverside Park, Vivian Park Nature Garden, and The Lane Community Garden.

A Neath Port Talbot Council spokesperson said: “These awards signify parks and community green spaces which have met very high standards and they represent a reward for outstanding environmental and gardening efforts and the maintenance of excellent visitor facilities. These are awards are due to a great team effort from our dedicated staff and from many hard working, much appreciated volunteers from our local communities.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Green flags fly high above Neath Port Talbot parks
Local parks and gardens recognised for excellence in environmental standards and visitor facilities.

Prestigious Green Flags flying in Swansea parks
Six of Swansea’s main parks awarded Green Flag status for their contribution to wellbeing and biodiversity.

Margam Country Park named one of the best in the UK
Public vote places Margam among the top ten parks and green spaces nationwide.

Cadle Heath Local Nature Reserve receives first Green Flag award
Volunteers praised for their commitment to preserving one of Swansea’s hidden rural gems.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said: “We’re thrilled that green spaces managed by Swansea Council and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council have once again achieved the prestigious Green Flag status — a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the many staff and volunteers who care for them.”

The Green Flag Award is delivered in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy and supported by Welsh Government. Sites are judged against eight strict criteria, including biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management and community involvement.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who holds responsibility for Climate Change, said: “I am very proud that Wales continues to lead the world in community-awarded green flag sites. Our local green spaces play a vital role in connecting us to nature, supporting biodiversity and providing opportunities for healthy recreation.”

A full list of Green Flag and Green Flag Community Award winners for 2025/26 can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website.

#AmmanValleyTrottingClub #BrynmillPark #CilybebyllCommunityGrowers #ClyneGardens #CoedGwilymPark #CoedbachPark #CraigGwladusCountryPark #CwmafanCommunityOrchard #CwmdonkinPark #GarddYPobl #GlantaweRiversidePark #GnollEstateCountryPark #GreenFlag #HuwIrrancaDaviesMS #KeepWalesTidy #MargamCountryPark #MayhillWashingLakeCommunityFoodGarden #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #ParcLlewelyn #Parks #PenllergareValleyWoods #PontlliwPark #PortTalbot #SandfieldsCommunityGarden #SingletonBotanicalGardens #Swansea #SwanseaCanal #SwanseaCommunityFarm #SwanseaCouncil #TalbotMemorialPark #TheFriendsAndNeighboursCentre #TheLaneCommunityGarden #VictoriaGardens #VictoriaPark #VivianParkNatureGarden

Council Leader hails success of Margam Country Park Urdd Eisteddfod

This year’s Eisteddfod yr Urdd at Margam Country Park attracted a record-breaking 119,593 registrations to compete. There was also a 42% increase in the number of Welsh learners taking part compared to last year,

In total, 17 schools from Neath Port Talbot were positioned either first, second or third during the finals week with many more taking part in the earlier qualifying rounds.

Cllr Hunt said: “These were remarkable results reflecting the talent and dedication of our young people. Along with others in the Gorllewin Morgannwg (West Glamorgan) region, Neath Port Talbot proudly secured 3rd place overall—a testament to the hard work of Neath Port Talbot’s pupils, teachers, and families.

“At a time of financial and employment stresses it has been uplifting to see our county borough in the national headlines for all the right reasons.

“This is a prime example of how major events can deliver benefits – and we are confident many of those first-time visitors who came to this hugely popular event will return in the future.

“It was also fantastic to see local businesses contributing directly. Both the Urdd Crown and Chair were created locally using steel from Tata. The Crown was crafted by Nicola Palterman and Laura Thomas of Jewel and Grace in Neath, while the Chair was designed and created by Angharad Pearce Jones from the Brynaman area.

“So the Urdd has truly put a positive spotlight on Neath Port Talbot and reminded us—and shown the rest of Wales—that this is a proud, vibrant, and resilient place.

“Let us build on the momentum the Urdd Eisteddfod has given us.”

#CllrStephenHunt #Margam #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Urdd #WelshLanguage

Record-breaking numbers to compete at next week’s Urdd

Following the final rounds of the Urdd’s Composing and Creating Competitions (homework), the organisation is proud to announce a record-breaking 119,593 registrations to compete in this year’s festival, which also includes a significant rise (of 42%) in the number of young Welsh learners compared to last year.

Organisers have also confirmed details for the shuttle bus service running between Port Talbot (Parkway) train station to the Eisteddfod Maes throughout the week. The service is free to the public, running between 06:30 and 21:56 or 23:26 (depending on which day).

Thanks to a £200,000 support package from the Welsh Government, lower income families can access the Maes for free once again this year.

Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts, Urdd Gobaith Cymru said: “Eisteddfod yr Urdd is for all. Seeing more young people and more Welsh learners than ever choosing to take part this year proves that the Eisteddfod is meeting the needs and the interests of the young people of Wales, providing them with valuable opportunities to experience activities and opportunities to build their self-confidence through the medium of Welsh. A huge thank you in advance to the hundreds of volunteers helping us at the festival next week.”

As well as competitors, local talent and celebrities be visiting the Eisteddfod, including the festival’s President Jeremy Miles MS, and five Presidents of the Day: actor Steffan Rhodri, famous for his role as ‘Dave Coaches’ in Gavin and Stacey, presenters and sports stars Lowri Morgan and Sarra Elgan, entrepreneur Emyr Afan from Afanti and singer and TikTok star Bronwen Lewis, who also performed the Eisteddfod’s Welcome Song alongside Huw Chiswell.

Triban Festival continues on the maes over the weekend (30-31 May). Friday night will be a tribute to Welsh musician and performer Dewi Pws, with artists including Mei Gwynedd and band, Dadleoli, Taran, local schools and more. Saturday will be an evening with Huw Chiswell, Bronwen Lewis, Aleighcia Scott and other popular artists. 

The Urdd and the local Council say they acknowledge the incredible work and dedication of local residents who have worked tirelessly over the past three years to raise money for the event.

Neath Port Talbot Councillor and Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “As we eagerly anticipate the National Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025, I am delighted to welcome this prestigious event to our beautiful county. The record-breaking number of registrations and the increase in young Welsh learners highlight the festival’s growing impact and importance. We are proud to host such a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture and arts at Margam Country Park. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in organising this event and look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to experience the best of Neath Port Talbot.”

Live broadcasts on S4C and BBC Radio Cymru

For those unable to attend this year, S4C will be broadcasting the competitions from the Red, White and Green pavilions from 8.00am every day and they will be streamed on Clic.

For the first time, it will also be possible to look back on the streams and re-watch competitions, by watching Clic on desktop devices. The streams will be available for a period of 3 days after the competitions have taken place and it will be possible to ‘spool’ the stream by watching on a computer or laptop. This will be available from the ‘Our picks’ section at the top of the Clic home page.

S4C’s live daily programmes will be hosted by Trystan Ellis Morris and Heledd Cynwal between 10.30am and 6.30pm and a highlights programme will air every night at 8.00pm. These programmes will be available on demand on Clic and BBC iPlayer with English subtitles.

BBC Radio Cymru and the Ifan Evans programme will be broadcasting daily live radio shows on the Maes between 2pm and 5pm, with Jac Northfield joining in. All winners will also be featured across the station and BBC Cymru Fyw will share the latest daily news and stories online.

The main daily ceremonies will take place in the white pavilion at 2pm: Monday, Chief Artist and Art Medal; Tuesday, the Drama Medal; Wednesday, Welsh Learners Medal and the Bobi Jones Medal; Thursday, the Chairing; Friday, the Crowning; Saturday, Main Composer Medal.

#Eisteddfod #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbot #PortTalbot #Urdd #WelshLanguage

Owens Group swap their haulage vehicles for bicycles to take on 90-mile charity cycle ride

The team of 15 will start their epic bike ride at Owens Warehouse in Magor and will pass through several of the South Wales facilities, including Newport, Bridgend Parc Crescent and Margam Park. They will also be visiting the iconic Cardiff Millenium Centre.

They will kick off their fundraiser with a 9am start and finish around 16:15 at their base in Unit 7 Coffee Garage, Llanelli.

Reflecting on why Owens Group wanted to raise funds for the lifesaving Charity, Steve Jones, Bridgend Depot Manager, said: “We chose to support the Wales Air Ambulance because it’s a vital service that any one of us could need at any time. In critical situations, speed is everything, and the Wales Air Ambulance provides lifesaving emergency care across Wales, giving people the best possible chance when they need it most.

“The 90-mile charity cycle idea came from wanting to connect all our depots along the South Wales coast, as we have so many in the area. Turning it into a cycling challenge felt like a great way to push ourselves while raising money for a worthwhile cause.”

Owens Group has set themselves the fundraising target of £2,000 and they have already raised an amazing £1,075.

The team are delighted to have raised so much for the Wales Air Ambulance prior to the event, which will take place on Saturday 9 August.

Chloe said: “We’re thrilled with the support we’ve received already and really proud of everyone involved, we’re still pushing to raise as much as possible for such a vital cause that is available for everyone, when they most need it.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.

This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

The Carmarthenshire logistics, warehousing and distribution company is no stranger to supporting the all-Wales Charity. In 2022, to mark half a decade in the business Owens Group held a family fun day for its staff at their headquarters. 

As part of the family fun day, a raffle was held in aid of Wales Air Ambulance which raised £2,800. Owens Group then match-funded the amount bringing the total to an incredible £5,600. 

Hannah Bartlett, Supporter Engagement Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance said: “Thank you to the team at Owens Group who will be getting on their bikes to cycle 90 miles in aid of our cause. It’s a huge challenge and they’ve already raised an incredible amount for the Wales Air Ambulance.

“The Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road. We wish them well with their fundraiser and good luck on the day! Your support will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”

You can show your support to the group of cyclists by donating to their JustGiving page here.

#Bridgend #Charity #cycling #fundraising #Llanelli #MargamCountryPark #OwensGroup #WalesAirAmbulance

Transport for Wales launches ‘Mistar Urdd’ train at Port Talbot

The train was welcomed by First Minister Eluned Morgan, along with Siân Lewis, CEO of the Urdd and Ysgol Tyler’r Ynn.

The new CAF Class 197 trains have been running all over the Wales and Borders network since 2022 and are part TfW’s £800 million investment into brand-new trains.  

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It’s great to see one of our new trains named after Mr Urdd, who has a special place in the hearts of so many of us in Wales and will bring a smile to the faces of passengers.

“What better way to travel to the Urdd Eisteddfod, and so many events in Wales this summer,  than aboard one of our brand new Transport for Wales trains.”

Lowri Joyce, Welsh Language Strategy Lead said:  “Who better and more iconic than Mr Urdd, who is recognisable by almost all children in Wales. We are also pleased to be supporting the Urdd’s Fund for All, to allow children from impoverished backgrounds to enjoy a holiday at one of their many camps.

“We are proud to give him a big Croeso Cynnes onto our network ahead of the Eisteddfod in Margam Park so do keep an eye out for him as he travels all over Wales.”   

Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of the Urdd, added:  “Getting to the Eisteddfod in Margam by public transport will be extremely easy.

“A bus service will be provided between Port Talbot train station and the Maes, and further details will be on our website.

“This goes hand in hand with our commitment to running a green festival and reducing carbon emissions.”

#Class197Trains #ElunedMorganMS #FirstMinister #MargamCountryPark #PortTalbot #TransportForWales #Urdd

Margam Country Park commemorates VE Day 80 with moving tribute

In partnership with the Friends of Margam Park, staff and volunteers have worked together to create a series of installations, exhibitions and commemorative displays that will be open to the public from late April through September, encompassing both VE Day on the 8th May and VJ Day on the 14th August.

Inside Margam Castle, visitors will find the Entrance Hall beautifully decorated with hand-knitted and crocheted red poppies arranged around the fireplace. The staircase hall will feature red poppies, white paper doves and VE Day 80 flags in a display designed to symbolise both remembrance and peace.

Historic photographs from VE Day celebrations, from the 8th May 1945, will be on display, accompanied by atmospheric audio recordings – including Winston Churchill’s VE Day speech, music from the 1940s and memories of local residents who lived through war years.

One of the most ambitious elements of the tribute will be found near the Castle Terrace, where more than 3,000 handmade poppies crafted from upcycled plastic bottle ends and individually painted, will be installed on Monday 28th April. Park staff, volunteers and the Friends of Margam Park will work together to place each poppy by hand, creating a striking sea of red across the landscape. The poppies will remain in place until the 12th May.

Margam’s on-site café, Charlotte’s Pantry, will also take part in the commemoration. From the 28th April each table will feature a small-scale version of the photo exhibition, allowing visitors to quietly reflect while enjoying refreshments. There will also be a VE Day 80 ‘Street Party’ in Charlotte’s Pantry on the 8th May.

Additionally, Charlotte’s Pantry will be serving fish and chips, a nostalgic nod to one of the few foods that remained unrationed during World War Two, helping to boost morale.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “VE Day is an important opportunity to pause and reflect on a generation that endured so much. By marking the occasion we are remembering their stories, celebrating their resilience and giving our local communities a way to come together in tribute. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Friends of Margam Park and volunteers for their support with this installation.”

The display inside Margam Castle will be in place from Monday 28 April and will remain open until the 9th September. The external poppy installation will begin on Monday 28 April and will be in situation along the Broadwalk steps and Castle Terrace for two weeks.

#CllrCenPhillips #Margam #MargamCastle #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #VEDay #Veterans

‘Margam Bark Play Park’ launched as ultimate dog day out

Set against the stunning backdrop of Margam’s historic landscape, this new facility is designed for dogs of all shapes, sizes and abilities.

Featuring a variety of agility obstacles including tunnels, jumps and weave poles, the enclosed agility area offers the perfect place for exercise and training in a fun and stimulating environment.

Owners can relax in the sheltered seating area, while a rinse station ensures that muddy paws can be washed off after an action-packed session.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “We’re delighted to introduce this fantastic new facility at Margam Country Park.

“Margam Bark Play Park is a brilliant addition that enhances the park’s reputation as one of South Wales’ top-tier, dog-friendly destinations.

“It offers a safe engaging space where dogs can exercise and socialise, making Margam an even better day out for visitors with four legged companions.”

Access to Margam Bark Play Park is available for a fee of £13.42 per hour, for up to three dogs. Each additional dog is charged at £2, with a maximum of six dogs allowed per session. Bookings should be made in advance via the webpage. Car parking charges apply and are paid at the entrance cabin on arrival.

A Dog-friendly Destination

Margam Country Park has long been a favourite destination for visitors exploring South Wales with their four-legged companions. With over 1,000 acres to explore and a range of woodlands, lakes, tranquil paths and challenging trails, it offers endless opportunities for scenic walks and outdoor adventures. From gentle nature trails to open green spaces, perfect for a game of fetch.

After a long walk, dogs can refuel with a pupaccino at the on-site café Charlotte’s Pantry, while owners relax in the Castle Visitor Courtyard. A convenient dog wash station near the car park ensures that muddy paws won’t be a problem for the journey home. Now, with the addition of Margam Bark Play Park, the park is cementing its reputation as one of Wales’ most dog-friendly attractions.

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

#dogPark #Dogs #MargamBark #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbotCouncil

Lower income families offered free entry to Eisteddfod yr Urdd at Margam Park

The offer comes thanks to £200,000 financial support by the Welsh Government.

Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru said: “On behalf of the Urdd I would like to thank the Welsh Government for their financial support and enabling us to offer an Eisteddfod for All in Margam Park. The cost-of-living crisis is putting such a strain on families, and we want to ensure that a family’s financial situation doesn’t mean children having to miss out on experiences with the Urdd.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford said: “The Urdd Eisteddfod is one of the cultural highlights of our Welsh calendar and a fantastic way for families to use, hear and experience the language. Cymraeg belongs to us all and this funding ensures financial barriers won’t stop families from enjoying the Urdd Eisteddfod. We’re proud to support the Urdd and help more people connect with Cymraeg through this important event.”

The Urdd as an organisation has committed to offer free entry to Local and Regional Eisteddfodau to families or individuals who are eligible for free school meal vouchers, the school uniform grant or the Educational Maintenance grant scheme.

Leading up to the Eisteddfod, the Urdd say they will also be working with Neath Port Talbot Council, the Welsh Local Government Association and local organisations who support lower-income families to make sure that those who could benefit are aware of the low-income tickets.

Entry tickets to the festival go on sale 19 March and early bird tickets will be available until 1 May.

Eisteddfod yr Urdd is one of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals, and thousands are expected to compete at the final stages of the festival in Margam Park between 26 and 31 May 2025. 

(Lead image: Urdd)

#Eisteddfod #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbot #Urdd #WelshLanguage #youngPeople

Popular light festival all set to return to Margam Park

From Thursday 21st November to Tuesday 31st December 4.30-8.30pm, Luminate comes to Margam Country Park, South Wales’s historic country estate in Port Talbot.

The light trail is an after-dark experience and one which is sure to captivate all ages – an event not to be missed in the lead-up to the festive season.

As darkness descends, visitors can weave their way through an immersive light experience through the Orangery gardens. This mesmerising trail features stunning, light elements and interactive light play all set to a beautiful soundtrack.

The team behind Luminate create bespoke installations that deliver those wow moments and take your breath away.

New to Margam Country Park this year is a new dramatic animation projected onto the Castle façade. This high energy animation depicts wild adventures at sea and at the castle itself all set to a powerful, exciting sound track to really engage the visitor. 

The iconic orangery will be transformed this year with a flame installation. As the dark nights draw in, this is a sure-fire way to light up the faces of friends and family as you explore. On the route there will be mulled wine and marshmallows to toast on fire pits, to keep the chill away.

Margam Country Park is set in 1000 acres of glorious parkland. The location offers beauty, history, and wildlife alongside a wide variety of family attractions.

This winter Luminate will light up Margam Country Park with a display featuring fairies and the ever-popular wishing wall where visitors can make a wish on a tag and pin it to the wall ahead of the festivities.

Warming seasonal food and drink will be on offer mid-way through the trail and visitors can spend time relaxing there and enjoying the illuminated swings.

Janine Maycock, part of the Luminate team said:

“We work hard to ensure Luminate is a fun and enchanting evening out. We have lots of family visitors, but it is also a romantic date night and has sparked several proposals of marriage.

“The trail is different each year, so there is always a surprise, and we look forward to welcoming people for the first time as well as our returning visitors to Luminate at Margam Country Park.

“We are working towards becoming the world’s best festive light event and we work with exceptional talent in iconic locations.”

Councillor Cen Phillips Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing added:

 “We are delighted to welcome the return of Luminate Wales to Margam Country Park. This event has become a highlight of our cultural calendar, drawing both our local community and visitors to enjoy an annual festive tradition with a beautifully reimagined light trail each year.”

Luminate proudly supports a number of charities by donating tickets. For Margam the charities include Carers Trust Wales, Noah’s Ark and the National Autistic Society.

There will be two evenings on Monday December 2 and Monday December 9 where visitors are able to come along with their four-legged friends and the trail is flat and on a wide, hard-surface path suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs. 

Tickets can be purchased via the Luminate website here.

Additional details can be found on the Luminate social media Instagram, Facebook and TikTok account.

[Lead image: Luminate]

#Luminate #MargamCountryPark #PortTalbot

Margam Country Park’s Fright Nights will lead visitors on a haunted trail beginning in the large ruins in the gardens where they will meet the towering seven-foot Cistercian monks.

Visitors will want to tiptoe through the bone yard so they don’t wake up the skeletons and into the petrified forest where they may bump into the zombie of gamekeeper Robert Scott, who was killed in 1898 after catching a poacher on the estate.

The trail continues into the 19th century castle, where vampires, bats and the lady in white all reside – it is thought to be one of the most haunted places in the UK. Beware the zombie blacksmith with his treacherous grin in the courtyard.

The event, is set to draw on the history of Margam Country Park and the ghosts that are rumoured to haunt the grounds and corridors, including those of Robert Scott who is believed to stand at the top of the gothic staircase in the castle as well as carrying out poltergeist activity such as slamming doors and moving objects.

Ghosts at Margam Country Park are well documented.

Author and journalist Mark Rees is one of the leading authorities on Wales’ paranormal activity and says:

“I grew up ten minutes away from Margam Country Park and one of the most common sites that people talk about is seeing the monks. They are the ghosts of the abbey but are often seen on the mountain and on private land near the steelworks.

“The original boundaries have changed so the monks are often spotted wandering where they would have originally walked. There is the ‘cursed wall of Port Talbot’ that rumour has it if it ever falls down Port Talbot will fall too. The steelworks have now put a protective barrier over it just to be sure.

“Alongside the monks, there are sightings in the castle of the white lady floating down the stairs. She is believed to be Emily Charlotte, daughter of Talbot who built the castle. And many people have reported seeing children in Victorian clothing and feeling their hair being pulled or clothes being tugged when they are in the castle. 

“Perhaps the most famous ghost of all is that of Robert Scott. Scott was the gamekeeper for the estate and set out one day to catch a poacher on the land. He was joined by a policeman and another man, and they split up and tried to catch him in a pincer movement.

“It was Scott who found him first. The poacher shot him, and he died. His funeral was attended by around 800 people which is incredible for a gamekeeper and his grave is in the nearby chapel.

“He is thought to be an angry ghost.”

The event is being brought to you by the team who deliver the popular Great British Food Festival and Luminate, light trail. They are working with events producer Lee Rath to create the experience.

Lee Rath says: “We’re creating lots of installations along the trail, and we have 14 scare actors who will be playing different roles, such as the Cistercian monks and witches.

“You can choose from two scare levels, one for our younger visitors, which will play on the themes of Halloween and trick and treating. It will be a gentler experience. The later slot is aimed at those aged 15 and over and will be a blood curdling terror trail for those with nerves of steel!”

The trail ends at the scare village where visitors will be able to calm their minds with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and delicious spooky themed street food alongside a freaky fortune teller. In order to escape you will have to walk down the scarecrows pathway and into the witches’ lair. Can you pass the Hex’s riddle for one final trick or treat in your bid for freedom?

Janine Maycock, event organiser, says:

“Margam Country Park is the perfect location for Fright Nights. It has this incredible history, a gothic castle, a ruin, and of course the resident ghosts. We can’t wait to give visitors the tremors.”

Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said:

“We are thrilled to welcome a brand-new Halloween event to Neath Port Talbot this Autumn, adding to the ever-growing variety of exciting events in the area. This spooky walk-through, promises to be a fantastic addition to Margam Country Park for both locals and visitors alike.”

Fright Nights run from October 18th to November 3rd. For more details and to book tickets visit the following link.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/21/beware-of-the-scariest-ghosts-in-wales-as-fright-nights-arrive-at-margam-country-park-this-autumn/

#FrightNight #MargamCountryPark

A few photos from a cold #Wander in #MargamCountryPark yesterday;

A #Robin
A pair of #RoeDeer
A magical looking #trees
and the great view from The #BroStone

You can see more of my photos at:
https://aimlesswelshwanderer.picfair.com

#Landscape #LandscapePhotography #Birds #birdphotography #Roe #Deer #Wildlife #Nature #NaturePhotography #Trees #MargamPark #Wales #Cymru

Margam Country Park has made it into the UK’s prestigious top ten parks and green spaces list following a public vote.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/11/16/margam-country-park-named-one-of-the-best-in-the-whole-of-the-uk/ #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbot #Margam #KeepWalesTidy #GreenFlag #Parks