The first LINK festival in Pontypridd held on the weekend of the 6th to 8th October has been hailed as a success by the organisers and board. Your Pontypridd BID and up and coming local artists including Bryony Sier, CHROMA, Tracy Island and Cara Cullen who praised the unique venues and supportive, knowledgeable crowds who enjoyed a weekend of live music in a town known for its rich musical heritage.

The festival was held in twelve venues in Pontypridd Town Centre ranging from The Muni Arts Centre to a local music shop and coffee chain and offered a range of music from soul, rock, dance, alternative and bands, DJ’s, solo artists as well as the sound exhibition at Pontypridd Museum.

Hundreds of people of all ages enjoyed the festival atmosphere over the October weekend which began with a live acoustic set from Tracey Island in local music shop Terry’s Music and finished with live music from Bryony Sier and Cara Cullen in Costa Coffee in Taff Street, and The 4th Kind at The Skinny Dog sports and entertainment bar.

Speaking after the event Your Pontypridd’s Projects Coordinator James Payne said, ‘It was a fun weekend and it was good to work with enthusiastic Business Managers to celebrate live music in the town centre. It was good to showcase the evening economy and see local residents and visitors enjoying the vibrancy of the town centre after the negative perceptions over the years.’

Sian John of Alfreds Bar and Grill said 'We had one of the busiest nights of the year, and everyone had a great time watching The Duplicates.' Victoria Walker, manager of The Tumble Inn said ' We thoroughly enjoyed having The Sam-Antonio Freeway perform, and it's something we will definitely look into doing again in the future.' Jason, manager of The Soul Suite was also positive about the event and said that LINK 'attracted a lot of youngsters to the venue.'

From feedback to Your Pontypridd staff over the festival weekend and social media a great time was had by the festival goers and artists alike and left everyone wanting more.

We hope to run the event next year, and involve more businesses as we look to celebrate the musical heritage of Pontypridd and celebrate the culture of the Town Centre in 2018. Many thanks to everyone who was involved!