Neath Arts Festival returns from the 15th-19th of October 2025 with a programme of events showcasing the visual arts, literature, music, theatre and heritage, at venues across the town centre.Events over several days in October | Digwyddiadau dros sawl diwrnod ym mis Hydref
UNDER MILK WOOD EXHIBITION | ARDDANGOSFA DAN Y WENALLT
Art
Saturday 4th - Saturday 25th October
10am-4pm
Queen Street Gallery, Queen Street
Price: Free
An exhibition celebrating 'Under Milk Wood' by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas featuring artwork from a call for art. Set in Llareggub, a fictional Welsh seaside village, "Under Milk Wood" follows the lives, dreams and desires of the inhabitants. Artists of all ages were invited to create artwork inspired by this wonderful story and to submit it for our very own "Under Milk Wood" exhibition.
Arddangosfa sy’n dathlu Dan y Wenallt gan Dylan Thomas yn cynnwys gwaith o “alwad” am gelf gan artistiaid o bob oedran.
BELONGING TO PONTRHYDYFEN | PERTHYN I BONTRHYDYFEN – GŴYL BURTON-BONT FESTIVAL
Art
Saturday 4th - Saturday 25th October
10am-4pm
Studio 40, Queen Street
Price: Free
‘There is one place you belong to, and in my case it's Pontrhydyfen’ (Richard Burton).
A collection of pieces that capture the evocative landscapes of Pontrhydyfen (a village Liz Taylor referred to as ‘Pontyheaven’) and its most famous son, Richard Burton, in celebration of the centenary of Burton’s birth and the bicentenary of the Bont Fawr, Pontrhydyfen’s iconic aqueduct.
Casgliad o ddarnau sy’n dal tirweddau atgofus Pontrhydyfen, a’i mab enwocaf Richard Burton.
Pontardawe Art Club exhibition | ARDDANGOSFA CLWB CELF PONTARDAWE
Art
Thursday 16th - Saturday 18th October
10am-4pm
Mayor’s Parlour, Town Hall and St Thomas's Church
Price: Free
An exhibition of artwork by members of Pontardawe Art Club.
Pontardawe Art Club has been running for 27 years. Members meet on Mondays at Ynysmeudwy Community Centre. We paint using various media, techniques and styles, and regular workshops by visiting professional artists improve our skills. We exhibit art throughout the year at various venues and enjoy trips to art galleries.
Arddangosfa o waith celf gan aelodau clwb celf Pontardawe
Ffurfiwyd Clwb Celf Pontardawe 27 o flynyddoedd yn ôl. Mae aelodau yn cyfarfod ar nos Lun yng Nghanolfan Gymunedol Ynysmeudwy. Rydym yn paentio gan ddefnyddio ystod eang o gyfryngau, technegau ac arddulliau, ac yn cynnal gweithdai gydag artistiaid gwadd er mwyn gwella ein sgiliau. Rydym yn arddangos ein
Llansawel Art Group exhibition | ARDDANGOSFA GRWP CELF LLANSAWEL
Art
Thursday 16th - Saturday 18th October
10am-4pm
St David’s Church
Price: Free
Llansawel Art Group has been established for over 25 years. We are a community group with our roots initially in Briton Ferry that currently meets at Neath Methodist Church (the Penny Brick). A friendly group of mixed abilities, mainly self-taught, who benefit from regular demonstrations and workshops which help develop our skills.
Open and accessible to all, whatever their ability, and we hold regular free art exhibitions all over the area.
Mae Grŵp Celf Llansawel wedi'i sefydlu ers dros 25 mlynedd, rydym yn grŵp cymunedol gyda'n gwreiddiau'n wreiddiol yn Llansawel sy'n cyfarfod ar hyn o bryd yn Eglwys Fethodistaidd Castell-nedd (y Penny Brick).Grŵp cyfeillgar o alluoedd cymysg, yn bennaf hunanddysgedig, er eu bod yn elwa o arddangosiadau a gweithdai rheolaidd sy'n helpu i ddatblygu ein sgiliau.
Ar agor ac yn hygyrch i bawb, beth bynnag fo'u gallu, ac rydym yn cynnal arddangosfeydd celf rheolaidd am ddim ledled yr ardal.
ORNATE NEATH: INSPIRATION FROM HIDDEN BEAUTY
Art
Thursday 16th - Saturday 18th October
10am-4pm
St Thomas’s Church
Price: Free
An exhibition of art work by stained glass artist Sonia Hawking of The Studio Neath, and members of the Pontardawe Art Club.
An exhibition of stained glass produced by The Studio Neath inspired by the wonderful imagery in Neath Abbey’s medieval tiles made in the 1340s. The pieces have been created using various techniques on glass including gilding engraving and glass painting to honour skills of medieval craftsmen. A blend of traditional crafts and contemporary ideas.
Members of Pontardawe Art Club will also be exhibiting a range of art created by its members.
On Saturday 18th at 12pm, Sonia Hawking will talk about her work, and Robert Williams will speak about St. Thomas’s stained glass windows and the church’s history and heritage. There will also be musical performances taking place during the exhibition on this day.
Arddangosfa o waith gwydr gan yr artist Sonia Hawking wedi ei ysbrydoli gan deiliau a osodwyd yn Abaty Nedd yn dyddio o’r 1340au, a gwaith celf gan aelodau o Grwp Celf Pontardawe. Am 12yh ar ddydd Sadwrn y 18fed o Hydref bydd Sonia Hawking yn siarad am ei gwaith a bydd Robert Williams yn siarad am ffenestri gwydr lliw Eglwys Tomos Sant.
Pop-up Museum | Amgueddfa dros dro
Heritage
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th October
10am-4pm
Neath Town Council Building, Orchard Street
Price: Free
Neath’s history spans across 33,000 years – come and find out about it and gain a greater appreciation for where you live!
The Neath History Exhibition returns to Neath Arts Festival on a much larger scale in 2025! We’re partnering up with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s Museum Service and a host of local organisations to present the history of Neath from the Ice Age to the modern day using ancient artefacts from the museum’s collection, costumes courtesy of Neath Little Theatre, film, photographs and documents.
The exhibition is curated by local historian and curator Jordan Brinkworth, who wrote "Neath: Romans, Raids & Revolutions", and produced the documentary "Neath Through Time". Jordan has also written for The Cardiff Times, has worked compiling oral history records in the South Wales Miners Museum and holds a Master of Arts degree in History from Swansea University.
You can buy Jordan’s book via his website: https://jordanbrinkworth.wordpress.com/
Mae hanes Castell-nedd yn ymestyn dros 33,000 o flynyddoedd – dewch i ddysgu amdano a chael gwerthfawrogiad gwell o ble rydych chi'n byw!
Mae Arddangosfa Hanes Castell-nedd yn dychwelyd i Ŵyl Gelfyddydau Castell-nedd ar raddfa llawer mwy yn 2025! Rydym yn partneru â Gwasanaeth Amgueddfeydd Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Castell-nedd Port Talbot a llu o sefydliadau lleol i gyflwyno hanes Castell-nedd o'r Oes Iâ hyd at y cyfnod modern gan ddefnyddio arteffactau hynafol o gasgliad yr amgueddfa, gwisgoedd trwy garedigrwydd Theatr Fach Castell-nedd, ffilm, ffotograffau a dogfennau.
Mae'r arddangosfa wedi'i churadu gan yr hanesydd a'r curadur lleol Jordan Brinkworth, a ysgrifennodd "Neath: Romans, Raids & Revolutions" a’r rhaglen ddogfen "Neath Through Time". Mae Jordan hefyd wedi ysgrifennu ar gyfer The Cardiff Times, wedi gweithio ar gasglu cofnodion hanes llafar yn Amgueddfa Glowyr De Cymru ac mae ganddo radd Meistr yn y Celfyddydau mewn Hanes o Brifysgol Abertawe.
Gallwch brynu llyfr Jordan drwy ei wefan: https://jordanbrinkworth.wordpress.com/
An exhibition by members of Neath Photographic Society
Photography
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th October
10am-4pm
Neath Photographic Society, Bridge Street
Price: Free
An exhibition by members of Neath Photographic Society. The Society was formed in 1934 and has an outstanding track record at local, national and international level. Our members include photographers with a wide range of abilities from those new to photography to the more seasoned members. The Society holds a seasonal programme of events which can be found on its website www.neathphotographicsociety.org
Arddangosfa o ddelweddau gan Gymdeithas Ffotograffiaeth Castell-nedd sy'n cynnwys ystod eang o waith gan ffotograffwyr newydd ac aelodau profiadol.
www.neathphotographicsociety.org
Alex Wharton
Literature
Schools
Alex Wharton is the Children’s Laureate for Wales and will visit four primary schools over two days during the festival to inspire learners with his poems and songs.
Bydd Alex Wharton yn ymweld â phedair ysgol yn ystod yr ŵyl er mwyn ysbrydoli dysgwyr gyda’i farddoniaeth a’i ganeuon.
SIONED WYN ROBERTS
Literature
Schools
Children’s writer Sioned Wyn Roberts will lead workshops with children inspired by her new Welsh language picture book "Dicw-Dwm Bo".
Bydd yr awdur Sioned Wyn Roberts yn ymweld â Chastell-nedd er mwyn gwneud gweithdai gyda dysgwyr ifainc yn deillio o’i llyfr newydd i blant "Dicw-Dwm Bo".
KEN THOMAS
Music
Schools
Folk musician Ken Thomas will spend six weeks working with children from Alderman Davies Church in Wales Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Castell-nedd. He will teach them new songs and inspire an interest in folk music. The children will have the opportunity to perform the songs they’ve learnt with Ken’s band Atsain at a public concert on the 15th of October at St. David’s Church.
Bydd y cerddor gwerin Ken Thomas yn treulio chwech wythnos yn gweithio gyda phlant o Ysgol Gymraeg Castell-nedd ac Ysgol Gynradd yr Eglwys yng Nghymru Alderman Davies. Bydd Ken yn cyflwyno’r plant i gerddoriaeth werin ac yn dysgu caneuon iddynt. Bydd y plant yn cael y cyfle i berfformio’r caneuon gyda’r band Atsain mewn cyngerdd cyhoeddus yn Eglwys Dewi Sant ar y 15fed o Hydref.
Wednesday 15th October | Dydd Mercher 15fed Hydref
MUSIC AT ST. DAVID’S CHURCH | CERDDORIAETH YN YR EGLWYS
The festival opens with an extra special concert featuring pupils from two local primary schools, one of the area’s best male voice choirs and a much-loved local folk band in the glorious surroundings of St. David’s Church.
Pupils from Alderman Davies Church in Wales Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Castell-nedd will perform songs alongside musician Ken Thomas and the folk band Atsain. Ken will work with the pupils in the run up to the concert introducing them to new songs and giving them the experience of working with a professional musician.
Atsain will perform folk songs and the wonderful Tonna Male Voice Choir will raise the roof with a selection of anthems.
A unique event with generations coming together to showcase the musical talent that exists in Neath.
Mae’r ŵyl yn cychwyn gyda chyngerdd arbennig iawn fydd yn rhoi llwyfan i ddwy ysgol gynradd leol, côr meibion ardderchog ac un o’n hoff grwpiau gwerin.
Bydd disgyblion o Ysgol Gynradd yr Eglwys yng Nghymru Alderman Davies ac Ysgol Gymraeg Castell-nedd yn perfformio gyda’r cerddor Ken Thomas a’r band gwerin Atsain. Bydd Ken yn treulio amser cyn y cyngerdd yn cyflwyno caneuon newydd i’r disgyblion ac yn caniatau iddyn nhw weithio gyda cherddorion proffesiynol.
Bydd Atsain yn perfformio detholiad o ganeuon gwerin a bydd Côr Meibion Tonna yn codi’r canu gyda chyfres o anthemau.
Dewch i brofi’r talent cerddorol sy’n bodoli yng Nghastell-nedd.
This event is kindly supported by the Friends of the Gwyn Hall.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad hwn gan Gyfeillion Neuadd Gwyn.
Thursday 16th October | Dydd Iau 16eg Hydref
Richard Burton Portrait Masterclass with Bert Evans
Join artist Bert Evans for a day of portrait painting Welsh actor Richard Burton.
Using photographs of Richard Burton as reference, Bert will demonstrate his way of working and guide you through your own portrait painting.
Ymunwch â'r artist Bert Evans am ddiwrnod o beintio portreadau, yr actor Cymreig Richard Burton.
Gan ddefnyddio ffotograffau o Richard Burton fel cyfeiriad, bydd Bert yn dangos ei ffordd o weithio ac yn eich tywys trwy eich peintio portreadau eich hun.
Please bring your own art materials and a packed lunch.
These Poor Hands: The Autobiography of a Miner
Literature
Thursday 16th October
3pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Historian Robert King recounts the story of B.L. Coombes, a coal miner from the Vale of Neath who became a successful writer. Despite his best-selling book, "These Poor Hands: The Autobiography of a Miner" being published to great acclaim in 1939, Coombes continued to work as a collier dubbing himself in his Neath Guardian columns as a ‘Miner-Author’.
Bydd yr hanesydd Robert King yn ein tywys ni drwy hanes bywyd yr awdur B.L. Coombes o Gwm Nedd. Nofelydd llwyddiannus gwnaeth barhau i weithio dan ddaear yn y pyllau glo er ei lwyddiant fel awdur.
BEAUTIFUL LIVES
Literature
Thursday 16th October
4.30pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Writer Stephen Unwin discusses his book ‘Beautiful Lives, How We Got Learning Disabilities So Wrong’ with Sioned Williams AS. His book is a personal and pragmatic account of a father whose son has severe learning disabilities. From early civilisation to the chilling realities of twentieth-century eugenics, this powerful book uncovers a startling and rarely told history of learning disabilities.
Trafodaeth am lyfr newydd Stephen Unwin sy’n ymwneud â’i brofiadau fel tad i blentyn gydag anableddau dysgu difrifol ac anableddau dysgu trwy hanes.
RAY MILLAND: IDENTITY, STARDOM AND THE LONG CLIMB TO THE LOST WEEKEND
Literature
Thursday 16th October
6pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Writer and academic Gillian Kelly discusses her new book about Ray Milland. Born in Neath, Milland was the first Welshman to win an Academy Award. Despite being one of the most prolific actors in cinema history who left behind a legacy of almost 180 film and television appearances across seven different decades, Milland remains a somewhat forgotten figure in cinematic history. Gillian’s book offers a detailed examination of Milland as one of Hollywood’s most durable and fascinating performers of the studio era.
Sgwrs gydag awdur cyfrol newydd am yr actor Ray Milland a aned yng Nghastell-nedd. Yr actor Cymreig cyntaf i ennill Oscar, gwnaeth Ray Milland serennu mewn dros 180 ffilm a chyfres deledu yn ystod ei yrfa hir ac mae’r llyfr newydd hwn yn rhoi sylw teilwng iddo.
This event is kindly supported by Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad hwn gan Hutchinson-Thomas.
Martin Decker: DAD by Keiron Self and Kevin Jones
What makes a great dad? Martin thinks he might know and is determined to share it. This darkly funny, heartfelt journey explores the father figures that shaped Martin - from Darth Vader to childhood hero Indiana Jones, from Cool Dad to Dad Dancer. With live movie reenactments, less-than-perfect Harrison Ford impressions, and surprise guests on screen, this show speaks to every dad who’s ever wondered if they're enough. For Martin, though, the stakes feel even higher—is this mission about saving his son, or himself?
Mae’r drama dywyll ddoniol hon yn archwilio’r ffigurau a luniodd Martin o Darth Vader i arwr ei blentyndod Indiana Jones.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad gan Night Out.
This event is kindly supported by Night Out.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad hwn gan Noson Allan.
Friday 17th October | Dydd Gwener 17eg Hydref
AMSER STORI A CHAN | STORY AND SONG TIME
Literature
Friday 17th October
10.30am
Neath Library
Sesiwn stori a chân sy'n addas ar gyfer plant dan 4 oed wedi ei drefnu gan Fenter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot.
A story and song session suitable for children under 4 years organised by Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot. An accessible Welsh language event.
Landscape Painting Masterclass with Matt Williams
Join a hands-on oil painting workshop with Matt Williams, focused on creating atmosphere in landscape art.
Through expert guidance in atmospheric perspective, tonal variation, and careful colour choices you'll learn how to capture mood and depth in your landscapes.
Matt is a professional artist based near Abergavenny, exhibiting in galleries across Wales, and his work seeks to connect the beauty of the natural landscape of Wales with the lived human experience of being Welsh.
Ymunwch â gweithdy peintio olew ymarferol gyda Matt Williams, sy'n canolbwyntio ar greu awyrgylch mewn celfyddyd tirwedd. Trwy arweiniad arbenigol mewn persbectif atmosfferig, amrywiad tonal, a dewisiadau lliw gofalus, byddwch yn dysgu sut i ddal naws a dyfnder yn eich tirweddau. Mae Matt yn artist proffesiynol sy'n byw ger y Fenni, yn arddangos mewn orielau ledled Cymru, ac mae ei waith yn ceisio cysylltu harddwch tirwedd naturiol Cymru â phrofiad dynol byw o fod yn Gymro.
Please bring your own art materials and a packed lunch.
The Neath Literary Tour
“An odyssey through a smouldering town…” So claimed Lewis Davies in his first novel "Work, Sex and Rugby" which was set in and around the pubs, rugby pitches and building sites of Neath. It was published in 1993 and has gone onto be one of the best-selling Welsh novels. He is joined by the rising star of the Welsh poetry world Natalie Ann Holborow, formerly of Skewen and a winner of the Terry Hetherington Award, and the writer Patricia James, author of "Belonging". It all starts at the statue of Howell Gwyn in Victoria Gardens at 3pm and concludes with tea and Welshcakes at the Town Hall. Sensible shoes recommended and fully accessible throughout.
“Taith drwy dref sy’n mudlosgi…” Dyna oedd honiad Lewis Davies yn ei nofel gyntaf "Work, Sex and Rugby" a oedd wedi’i lleoli yn ac o amgylch tafarndai, meysydd rygbi a safleoedd adeiladu Castell-nedd. Cyhoeddwyd y llyfr ym 1993 ac mae wedi mynd ymlaen i fod yn un o’r nofelau Cymreig mwyaf poblogaidd erioed. Mae Natalie Ann Holborow, gynt o Sgiwen ac enillydd Gwobr Terry Hetherington, a’r awdur Patricia James, yn ymuno ag ef ar y daith i ddarllen barddoniaeth. Mae’r cyfan yn dechrau wrth gerflun Howell Gwyn yng Ngerddi Victoria am 3yh ac yn gorffen gyda the a chacennau cri yn Neuadd y Dref. Argymhellir esgidiau synhwyrol ac mae’r lle’n gwbl hygyrch drwy gydol y daith.
This event is kindly supported by New Welsh Review.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad hwn gan New Welsh Review.
NEIL ROSSER AND GERAINT LEWIS
Literature
Friday 17th October
5pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Bydd Neil Rosser a Geraint Lewis yn ymuno â Manon Eames i drafod eu nofelau doniol a bywiog newydd, ‘Wythnos Ryfedd Gwilym Puw’ a ‘Haydn a Rhys’.
The writers talk to Manon Eames about their new funny and lively novels.
This is a Welsh language event with simultaneous translation into English. Ideal for Welsh learners and those who don’t understand Welsh.
GWENNO GWILYM
Literature
Friday 17th October
6pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Bydd Gwenno Gwilym yn trafod ei nofel diweddaraf ‘V + Fo’ yng nghwmni Sioned Williams AS. Mae’r llyfr wedi cyffroi darllenwyr gyda’i ffraethineb a’i ddefnydd creadigol o Saesneg. Enillydd gwobr Llyfr y Flwyddyn 2025.
Gwenno Gwilym speaks to Sioned Williams AS about her hugely successful and award-winning novel ‘V + Fo’. A Welsh Book of the Year winner.
This is a Welsh language event with simultaneous translation into English. Ideal for Welsh learners and those who don’t understand Welsh.
LITTLE PLAYS: ICONS
Neath Little Theatre’s acclaimed new writing initiative "Little Plays" takes centre stage at this year’s Neath Arts Festival with a special edition themed around Icons. Expect a bold and brilliant showcase of original short plays — each between 3 and 10 minutes — written especially for the occasion.
Performed script-in-hand by a talented cast with minimal staging, this event puts the spotlight firmly on the words, ideas, and creativity of emerging writers. Fresh, fast-paced, and full of surprises, "Little Plays" is a celebration of storytelling in its purest form.
Please Note – This event will take place at Neath Town Hall.
Menter ysgrifennu newydd Theatr Fach Castell Nedd. Disgwyliwch arddangosfa feiddgar a gwych o ddramau gwreiddiol a ysgrifennwyd yn arbennig ar gyfer yr achlysur.
WUBWORLD
Music
Friday 17th October
8pm
The Duke
Price: Donations appreciated
When Dystonia engulfed Glen, his work and personal life collapsed. Reinventing himself as Wubworld he reflected on his life sonically. The immersive soundscapes he created resonated with others and he began to perform. A Neath resident for six years, he notes that the move has brought him peace and purpose.
Preswylydd Castell Nedd a cherddor, mae Wubworld yn dod a’i gerddoriaeth i’r Duke, Dydd Gwener, Hydref 17 eg.
CURSIVE YOUTH
Music
Friday 17th October
9pm
The Duke
Price: Donations appreciated
Cursive Youth is an exciting new alt-pop artist hailing from Port Talbot. Cursive Youth crafts a unique sound that fuses shimmering synths, catchy melodies/riffs and introspective lyrics. Their music reflects on the emotional complexities of modern life, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-identity.
Artist pop o Porth Talbot yn perfformio yn y Duke, Castell Nedd Hydref 17 eg.
THE FELIX SUBWAY BAND
Music
Friday 17th October
10pm
The Duke
Price: Donations appreciated
The Felix Subway Band formed in a crayon book between the yeti parks of digital tapestry and graffiti clouds of sentient dust. Bribed by nature to write a continual cascade of songs at their most diagonal, a pocket detective of painted lightbulbs, happily deceptively freed for the origami radio rodeo.
Band pum darn o Abertawe yn chwarae cerddoriaeth werin seicedelig.
Saturday 18th October | Dydd Sadwrn 18fed Hydref
A fun day of art and craft workshops for all ages
Art
Saturday 18th October
10am-4pm
The Gathering Place, Queen Street
Price: Free
Join us for a fun day of art and craft workshops at The Gathering Place on Queen Street with artists Anna Hale, Karen Saunders and Vivian Rhule. The activities will range from pottery, print making and making your own driftwood houses.
Diwrnod hwyl o weithdai celf a chrefft yn The Gathering Place ar Stryd y Frenhines gydag artistiaid lleol.
NEATH ANTIQUARIANS BOOK SALE
Heritage
Saturday 18th October
10am-4pm
Neath Antiquarian Society
Price: Free
The Institute opens specially for the sale of books on the history of Neath and district by the Neath Antiquarians and other historians. The oldest book for sale was published in 1902 and the newest 2014. Cash only please. An opportunity to meet the Society and see what the Institute can offer.
Llyfrau ar werth ar hanes Castell Nedd a’r Fro gan y Neath Antiquarians ac haneswyr eraill. Cyhoeddwyd y llyfr hynaf yn 1902 a’r un mwyaf newydd yn 2014.
A HOME FOR SPARK THE DRAGON
Literature
Saturday 18th October
10am
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Jess Webb reads her picture book ‘A Home for Spark the Dragon’ which was co-written with Michael Sheen and illustrated by Sarah Massini. Jess will read the book to an audience of children and inspire everyone to make drawings based on the story of Spark whose nest is destroyed and sets out to find a new home. Suitable for children aged 5-9 and their adults.
Bydd Jess Webb yn darllen ei llyfr ‘A Home for Spark the Dragon’ ac yn annog y gynulleidfa i greu lluniau yn seiliedig ar y stori. Ar gyfer plant oed 5-9.
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Tezni Williams
Music
Saturday 18th October
10am
St David's Church
Price: Donations appreciated
Tezni Williams is a Neath born and raised harpist currently based in Southampton. Having recently graduated with a BA in Music, she is now studying her MA in Music Composition. Tezni has developed this passion for music into a professional career working as a soloist, a teacher, a composer and playing in orchestras.
Cafodd Tezni ei geni a’i magu yng Nghastell-nedd cyn ymgartrefu yn Southampton. Wedi iddi graddio gyda BA mewn cerddoriaeth, mae Tezli yn nawr yn astudio am MA mewn cyfansoddi cerddoriaeth. Mae Tezni wedi troi ei hangerdd at gerddoriaeth yng ngyrfa broffesiynol wrth iddi weithio fel artist unigol, athrawes, cyfansoddwraig ac aelod o gerddorfeydd.
ACTING WORKSHOP
Unleash your inner performer in this immersive drama workshop led by professional actors, Michelle McTernan and Richard Mylan. Whether you're a beginner looking to build confidence or an experienced performer ready to refine your craft, this hands-on workshop offers a supportive space to explore movement, voice and improvisation. Gain insider insights, practical techniques, and a connection with others who share your passion for performance. Come ready to play, discover, and grow!
Rhyddhewch perfformiwr reddfol allan yn y gweithdy drama trochol hwn dan arweiniad yr actorion proffesiynol Michelle McTernan a Richard Mylan. Dysgwch technegau ymarferol a chysylltiadau ag eraill sy’n rhannu eich angerdd am berfformio. Dewch yn barod i chwarae, darganfod a thyfu.
The WheelBoroughs
Music
Saturday 18th October
11am
St David's Church
Price: Donations appreciated
The Wheelboroughs are a group of guitarists that meet weekly in The Borough Arms in the Melin area of Neath. Their musical tastes cover the music of the 50’s to the music of today, harmonies playing a big part in their music choice.
Grŵp o gitaryddion lleol sy'n perfformio cerddoriaeth o'r 50au hyd at y cyfnod modern.
VANISHED WALES
Literature
Saturday 18th October
11am
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
‘Vanished Wales: Places Lost in Living Memory’ is the book to accompany one of ITV Cymru Wales’ most popular shows. It explores the fascinating stories of lost landmarks: places in Wales that have disappeared from towns, cities and villages within living memory. Hear the book’s writer Carwyn Jones discuss some of the remarkable stories of places and buildings that are gone but not forgotten.
Bydd awdur y llyfr ‘Vanished Wales: Places Lost in Living Memory’ yn trafod rhai o’r llefydd ac adeiladau yng Nghymru sydd wedi diflannu.
This event is kindly supported by Tours of Wales.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad hwn gan Tours of Wales.
Crescendo
Music
Saturday 18th October
12pm
St David's Church
Price: Donations appreciated
Crescendo was formed in 2010, with the aim of providing an opportunity for young people in the locality to take part in choral singing. Alongside the development and enjoyment of singing together, Crescendo prides itself in offering a safe environment for youngsters to meet to establish new friendships, and to strengthen relationships already in place.
Côr hyfryd yn cynnwys pobl ifanc o ardal Castell-nedd Port Talbot.
NOVELISTS TRISTAN HUGHES & CARYS SHANNON
Literature
Saturday 18th October
12.15pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Tristan Hughes and Carys Shannon discuss their new novels published by Parthian. ‘Boundary Waters’ is the tragicomic tale of a man searching for adventure in nineteenth century Canada, and ‘Truth Like Water’ is the gripping tale of a woman who becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of a girl who goes missing on the anniversary of her mother’s death.
Mae’r awduron Tristan Highes a Carys Shannon yn trafod eu llyfrau newydd. Hanes anturiaethwr sy’n mynd i drafferthion yng Nghanada yw ‘Boundary Waters’ a stori merch yn ceisio datrys dirgelwch yw ‘Truth Like Water’.
This event is kindly supported by Parthian Books.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad hwn gan Parthian Books.
Nigel Philip Davies with Jamie Nemeth
Music
Saturday 18th October
1pm
St David's Church
Price: Donations appreciated
Nigel Philip Davies has been writing and performing music for many years. He was classically trained on the piano but soon adapted his playing to more contemporary music. His first professional work was with recording studios, most notably Rockfield. Nigel has shared the live bills with Simple Minds, The Strawbs, Adrian Edmondson and Amy Wadge. Nigel will be accompanied by the all Wales Celtic Fiddle champion, Jamie Nemeth.
Mae'r pianydd clasurol Nigel a'r pencampwr ffidil Jamie yn ymuno â'i gilydd ar gyfer perfformiad bythgofiadwy.
Ursula Martin: ONE WOMAN WALKS EUROPE
Literature
Saturday 18th October
1.30pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
The bestselling author of "One Woman Walks Wales", writer Ursula Martin discusses her latest book, "One Woman Walks Europe" - an adventurous tale of endurance and self-discovery during an epic 5500 mile trek across Europe, from Ukraine to UK via Spain.
Bydd Ursula Martin yn trafod ei llyfr diweddaraf, "One Woman Walks Europe" - stori anturus am ddygnwch a hunanddarganfyddiad .
This event is kindly supported by Hedd Considerate Gardening.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad hwn gan Hedd Considerate Gardening.
Y Pregethwr
Music
Saturday 18th October
2pm
St David's Church
Price: Donations appreciated
Y Pregethwr (Vox/European Harmonium) sings The Book of Ecclesiastes. High energy, meditative, melodic and euphoric, a journey with Eastern mysticism, Southern Baptist Charisma, desert meditation and drone, noise and improvisation informs this inherently Welsh sacred/folk music.
Perfformiad gan Y Pregethwr o gerddoriaeth werin gysegredig Cymru.
FIND YOUR VOICE – SINGING
Join West End star Caroline Sheen for an inspiring singing workshop designed for performers of all levels. With credits including "Les Misérables", "Mary Poppins", and "9 to 5", Caroline brings a wealth of experience. You'll explore vocal technique, interpretation, and performance skills in a supportive, energizing environment. Whether you're preparing for auditions or simply love to sing, this is a rare chance to learn from one of musical theatre’s finest voices. Come ready to sing, grow, and shine!
Ymunwch a seren y West End Caroline Sheen am weithdy cyffrous ysbrydoledig sy’n addas am bob allu. Boed ych chi’n paratoi ar gyfer clyweliad neu’n syml bo chi’n dwlu ar ganu - dyma cyfle unigryw i ddysgu o un o artistiaid gorau theatr gerdd.
LORD PETER HAIN
Literature
Saturday 18th October
2.45pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Lord Peter Hain discusses five pieces of writing that have influenced and inspired him in conversation with the writer Roger Williams. He will also discuss his career as a writer and his new thriller ‘Fallout’.
Sgwrs gyda’r Arglwydd Peter Hain am bump llyfr sydd wedi cael dylanwad arno fe yn ystod ei fywyd. Bydd yr Arglwydd hefyd yn trafod ei lyfrau ei hun gan gynnwys ei nofel newydd, ‘Fallout’.
DARK & TWISTIES
Music
Saturday 18th October
3pm
St David's Church
Price: Donations appreciated
Weaving stories old and new into strange and beautiful songs with glorious harmonies and skilful musicianship, Dark & Twisties are all set to become your new favourite band as they astound you with songs from their debut album ‘Ungrateful Women’, due for release later this year.
Yn wreiddiol o Abertawe, bydd y grwp gwerin tri llais yn perfformio yn Eglwys Dewi Sant, 16.00 Dydd Sadwrn Hydref 18fed.
INTERNATIONAL VELVET
Literature
Saturday 18th October
4.15pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Neil Collins discusses his excellent history of the Cool Cymru phenomenon. ‘International Velvet’ charts the UK in a decade in which Welsh bands such as the Manic Street Preachers, Catatonia, Stereophonics and Super Furry Animals won over the masses and shows how it inspired the still-vibrant Welsh music scene into the 21st century and beyond.
Trafodaeth yng nghwmni’r awdur Neil Collins am lyfr sy’n olrhain hanes bandiadau megis Catatonia a Super Furry Animals yn y ‘90au.
This event is kindly supported by The Music Shop.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad hwn gan The Music Shop.
JOE DUNTHORNE
Literature
Saturday 18th October
5.45pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
The author of ‘Submarine’ discusses his latest book, ‘The Children of Radium’, which tells the incredible true story of Joe’s great-grandfather’s career as a chemical weapons scientist in pre-war Germany. Both memoir and detective story, Joe unearths the facts about his great-grandfather’s research, his family’s escape from Nazi Germany and the disparate lives they went on to live around the world. A witty, thought-provoking and moving book by one of Wales’s best writers.
Bydd Joe Dunthorne yn trafod ei lyfr newydd ‘The Children of Radium’. Mae’r llyfr yn olrhain hanes hen dadcu Joe; dyn wnaeth ddatblygu arfau cemegol yn yr Almaen cyn yr ail ryfel byd. Mae Joe’n ymchwilio hanes ei deulu ac yn ceisio dod i delerau gyda’r cyfrinachau mae’n darganfod.
JOSÉ HERNÁN CIFUENTES
Literature
Saturday 18th October
7pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
José was forced to leave Chile in the wake of the military coup in 1973 and built a life for his family in Wales. He discusses the two books that document his remarkable story, the politics of his homeland and the country that gave him sanctuary. In conversation with Leanne Wood.
Mudodd José o Chile i Abertawe ym 1977 ac mae’i ddau lyfr yn adrodd ei hanes o adael ei gartref yn Ne America wedi’r coup d’état milwrol a chwilio am loches yng Nghymru.
THE EGGMEN WHOOOOOO
Music
Saturday 18th October
7.30pm
Gwyn Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
The Eggmen Whoooooo! are a half-dozen piece 60s psych nuggets/surf/garage rock type of band from the south of Wales. The songs are like fuzzed up nursery rhymes that you can dance to. Whooooooo!
Band o Dde Cymru sy’n canu psych / syrff / roc garej.
GRUFF RHYS
Gruff Rhys is a touring songwriter and recording artist based in Cardiff, Wales who has consistently sought a variety of outlets for a wide spectrum of creative ideas that include 26 studio albums to date.
Renowned for their blissful melodies, his solo albums have explored untapped areas musically and lyrically. 2021’s Top Ten charting "Seeking New Gods" climbed fresh lyrical and musical terrain, a conceptual record about his own mountain and became his most critically and commercially successful solo album yet. 2024 saw the release of its follow up, the widescreen, baroque pop "Sadness Sets Me Free". Recorded on the outskirts of Paris with his band, it garnered further rave reviews and was widely acclaimed to be amongst his finest work. 2025 sees the release of his latest Welsh language album "Dim Probs".
Gruff Rhys has been releasing records since 1988 with his first band Ffa Coffi Pawb before becoming well known as the frontman of Super Furry Animals – a band that has been able to achieve that rarest of mixes - artistic adventure with popular devotion – blending fuzz-filled rock, pure harmonies and cutting edge electronics.
Mae Gruff Rhys yn gyfansoddwr ac artist recordio hynod o greadigol a dyfesigar sydd wedi rhyddhau 26 albwm stiwdio hyd yn hyn.
Mae cerddoriaeth Gruff yn enwog am ei melodïau bendigedig. Mentrodd Seeking New Gods i dir newydd o ran geiriau a cherddoriaeth yn 2021 gan gyrraedd y Deg Uchaf. Mae'n record gysyniadol am ei fynydd ei hun a daeth yn albwm unigol mwyaf llwyddiannus yn feirniadol ac yn fasnachol hyd yma. Yn 2024 rhyddhawyd ei ddilyniant, y gân bop baróc sgrin lydan "Sadness Sets Me Free". Wedi'i recordio ar gyrion Paris gyda'i fand, cafodd yr albwm adolygiadau gwych pellach a chafodd ei ganmol yn eang fel un o weithiau gorau Gruff. Yn 2025 rhyddhawyd ei albwm Cymraeg diweddaraf "Dim Probs".
Mae Gruff Rhys wedi bod yn rhyddhau recordiau ers 1988 gyda'i fand cyntaf Ffa Coffi Pawb cyn dod yn adnabyddus fel prif leisydd Super Furry Animals – band sydd wedi gallu cyflawni'r cymysgedd prinnaf hwnnw - antur artistig gydag ymroddiad poblogaidd - gan gyfuno roc ffwzz, harmonïau pur ac electroneg arloesol.
MOULD
Music
Saturday 18th October
9pm
The Duke
Price: Donations appreciated
MWN
Music
Saturday 18th October
10pm
The Duke
Price: Donations appreciated
Listen, mate—this ain’t your nan’s jazz trio. We’re talkin’ three geezers, one wall of pure, unfiltered sonic carnage. Feedback? They bathe in it. Rhythm? Optional. Structure? Never heard of it. It’s loud, it’s mental, it’s art—sort of. You want subtlety? Jog on. You want noise? Talk to me!
Lladdfa sonig heb ei hidlo gan MWN.
Sunday 19th October | Dydd Sul 19eg Hydref
STARTING OUT & STANDING OUT – GRAND AMBITION AND THE FUTURE OF THEATRE IN SWANSEA
Theatre
Sunday 19th October
1pm
The Mayor's Parlour, Town Hall
Price: Free
Thinking about a career in theatre? Want to know how to get started — and stand out? Join this inspiring panel discussion with the team behind Grand Ambition, Swansea’s exciting new theatre company created by artists, for artists. Hear how the company was built from the ground up, the challenges they’ve faced, and the support that helped them along the way. Learn how they choose their next shows, create opportunities for local talent, and what they look for in new collaborators. Whether you’re into acting, writing, directing, producing — or still figuring it out — this is your chance to get real advice, ask questions, and see how you could be part of Swansea’s growing creative scene.
Ydydch chi’n meddwl am yrfa yn y theatr ? Eisiau gwybod sut i ddechre …….a sefyll allan ? Ymunwch a’r panel i drafod gyda’r tim ysbrydoledig sy tu ol i Grand Ambition - cwmni Theatr newydd cyffrous Abertawe. Wedi’i greu gan artistiaid ar gyfer artistiaid
LIFE DRAWING MASTERCLASS WITH SIMON GOSS RCA
Simon Goss has been a life drawing enthusiast for over forty years. In his life drawing masterclass he will give an insight into his working method with soluble graphite and watercolour. He will do this with a series of short demonstrations to show how his approach varies in response to pose duration, with emphasis on warming up from shorter to longer poses. The artists attending will then be given the opportunity to draw from the model themselves as he observes and visits each one to give individual attention.
Dosbarth meistr arlunio gyda Simon Goss a naiff datgelu ei ddull gweithio gyda graffit hydawdd a dyfrlliw
Please bring your own art materials and a packed lunch.
BEHIND THE SCENES: THE DRAMATIC LIVES OF PHILIP BURTON
Literature
Sunday 19th October
11am
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Philip Burton was a stage-struck man whose life spanned the twentieth century and crossed continents. Most famous perhaps for his guardianship and mentorship of the actor Richard Burton, Angela V. John’s book reveals the impact Philip Burton had on many other young actors and celebrates his career as a playwright and drama producer. Angela will discuss her book with Professor Daniel Williams.
Sgwrs rhwng awdur llyfr newydd am Philip Burton a’r Athro Daniel Williams. Mae’r llyfr yn sôn am berthynas yr athro o Bort Talbot a Richard Burton yn ogystal â gyrfa Philip Burton fel dramodydd a chynhyrchydd drama.
CRIME WRITERS ASSEMBLE
Literature
Sunday 19th October
12.15pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Crime novelists Alis Hawkins, Chris Lloyd, G.J. Williams and Morgan Greene come together for a lively discussion about their latest books and the genre of crime writing.
Pedwar awdur trosedd Cymreig yn dod ynghyd i drafod eu gwaith a ffuglen drosedd yn gyffredinol.
This event is kindly supported by Fernlea Accounting.
Cefnogir y digwyddiad hwn gan Fernlea Accounting.
WALES AS IS: DAVID HURN AND RICHARD KING
Literature
Sunday 19th October
1.30pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Magnum photographer David Hurn has collaborated with the writer Richard King to produce ‘Wales As Is’. David’s photographs document the geography, history and landscape of Wales with unsentimental clarity, in his signature documentary style. Richard’s words give lyrical context to images which are by turn arresting, troubling, thought-provoking and joyful.
Trafodaeth am lyfr newydd y ffotograffydd David Hurn a’r awdur Richard King yng nghwmni yr Athro Daniel Williams. Llyfr sy’n cyflwyno lluniau newydd o Gymru gan David ochr yn ochr â geiriau Richard.
KEITH WILLIAMS: THE BOY WHO WENT TO HOLLYWOOD
Literature
Sunday 19th October
3pm
Town Hall
Price: Donations appreciated
Keith Williams left Neath for Hollywood with nothing but a dream. He wanted to mix with the stars and use his unique talents to the full. He worked with the likes of Elton John, Michael Jackson, Madonna, the Bee Gees, Olivia Newton-John, Alice Cooper and Phil Collins, and became one of the pioneers of the pop video in the early days of MTV. Sadly, Keith died in 2023. Colleagues and friends decided that his astonishing memoir about the heady days of the ‘80s should be shared and went ahead to publish it posthumously.
Digwyddiad yn dathlu llyfr Keith Williams am ei fywyd yn byw ac yn gweithio yn Hollywood yn nyddiau cynnar MTV a’r cymeriadau lliwgar megis Madonna a Michael Jackson wnaeth e ddod ar eu traws.
DAME SIÂN PHILLIPS
The festival comes to a close with an evening in the company of Dramatic Icon Dame Siân Phillips at the Gwyn Hall. Siân will be in conversation with her friend, director Richard Digby Day, to discuss her life and astonishing career. They will cover everything from her childhood in Wales to a triumph on Broadway, her marriage to Peter O’Toole and her subsequent successes as a leading light of stage, television and film. Moving and amusing, a frank reflection on an amazing life.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available for people to meet Siân prior to the show, to receive a signed photograph and enjoy priority seating.
Noson yng nghwmni y Bonesig Siân Phillips wrth iddi drafod ei gyrfa anhygoel gyda’r cyfarwyddwr Richard Digby Day. Bydd Siân yn sôn am ei phlentyndod yng Nghymru, ei llwyddiant ar Broadway, ei briodas â Peter O’ Toole a sawl ymddangosiad ar lwyfan, teledu a ffilm. Noson emosiynol a digri wrth i Siân hel atgofion.
Mae nifer o docynnau VIP ar gael ar gyfer pobl sy’n dymuno cyfarfod â Siân cyn y digwyddiad. Bydd pawb sy’n prynu tocyn arbennig yn derbyn llun wedi ei arwyddo ac yn eistedd yn y rhesi blaen.
The event brochure is available to download in PDF format.
Please click the brochure image below to open the PDF (opens in a new tab).
Neath Arts Festival 2025 Sounds
Altpop, rich harmonies and immersive soundscapes - that’s just a taste of what’s coming to Neath Arts Festival October 2025. Until then, pleasure your ears and mind with the wonders and talents of the festival’s musicians. This is just the beginning - ten more tracks will be added in the lead-up to the festival, so keep listening for exclusive updates. It's a gift that keeps giving.
All proceeds after costs; meaning 85% of your purchase price, will directly benefit the festival going forward.
Please scan the QR code or click the link below:
https://nafsounds.bandcamp.com/album/naf-sounds-2025
Thank you to our Partners, Sponsors, Volunteers and Participants
We, as a very small group of trustees, are extremely grateful to our partners, sponsors, volunteers, participants and all involved during the 5 days of Neath Arts Festival 2025 for their invaluable contribution and support. Their commitment has helped make the event possible.
Rydym yn ddiolchgar i’n partneriaid, noddwyr a gwirfoddolwyr am eu cyfraniadau gwerthfawr i Ŵyl Gelfyddydau Castell-nedd 2025. Mae’u hymrwymiad a’u cymorth am wireddu’r digwyddiad hwn, ac rydym yn ddiolchgar iawn iddynt.
Thank you to The Castle Hotel for their support.
Diolch i Westy’r Castell am y gefnogaeth.
Event brochure by Alice Jones | Website by Ash Whitney
Neath Arts Festival on Social Media
