Neath Port Talbot Unveils Bold 10-Year Events Strategy to Boost Tourism and Local Economy

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet has approved an ambitious 10-year Events Strategy aimed at transforming the county borough into a premier destination for tourism, culture, and community engagement. The newly endorsed Neath Port Talbot Events Strategy 2025-2035 lays the groundwork for a dynamic, year-round calendar of festivals and events designed to showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The vision behind the strategy is to establish Neath Port Talbot as one of the top places in Wales to live, work, and visit by 2035. By fostering collaboration between local communities, businesses, event organizers, and public bodies, the council aims to create a diverse and engaging programme of events that will drive economic growth and cultural vibrancy.

Strategic Investments for a Flourishing Events Landscape

The newly approved strategy builds upon previous cultural and tourism initiatives, including the Culture Strategy and Destination Management Plan approved in 2023. Additionally, in September 2024, councillors gave the green light to establish an Events Team and Film Office, streamlining event organization and making Neath Port Talbot a more attractive location for film productions.

With the Film Office set to open by April 2025, the Events Team has been granted delegated powers to enter into agreements that will facilitate a more efficient and seamless event planning process.

Economic and Cultural Benefits

A report presented to the Cabinet outlined the far-reaching economic impacts of the strategy, emphasizing:

• Boosting Local Creative Industries: Providing a platform for artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives to showcase their work at festivals and events, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Enhancing Neath Port Talbot’s Tourism Identity: Highlighting the region’s stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and traditions to attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.
• Collaborative Marketing Campaigns: Strengthening branding efforts through partnerships with national and international agencies such as Visit Wales and Visit Britain.
• Upskilling the Local Workforce: Offering training and mentorship opportunities in event management, marketing, and networking to bolster employment and business prospects.

A Vision for Growth and Community Engagement

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, emphasized the positive impact of events and festivals, stating:

“Events and festivals create a real buzz in our communities, delivering benefits in terms of health and wellbeing, fostering a sense of local pride, and boosting our local economy. This bold and ambitious strategy aims to increase both the number and quality of events over the next decade, attracting higher-spending visitor markets and raising Neath Port Talbot’s national and international profile as a destination location.”

Looking Ahead

The Events Strategy aligns with Neath Port Talbot’s long-term goals of fostering collaboration, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience. By investing in events and cultural programming, the council seeks to create a lasting legacy that benefits both residents and visitors alike.

With a clear roadmap for growth and a commitment to celebrating the area’s unique character, Neath Port Talbot is poised to become a must-visit location on Wales’ cultural and tourism map.

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Image: A previous Neath Food and Drink Festival, copyright NPT Council