2025 was a landmark year for the Pontardawe Twinning Association (TAP), filled with cultural exchange, laughter, and lasting connections. As we reflect on the past twelve months, it’s clear that the spirit of twinning — friendship across borders — is thriving in our community.
St David’s Day 2025: A Twinning Celebration in Pontardawe
St David’s Day — the National Day of Wales — is always a special occasion in Pontardawe, and the Twinning Association made sure 2025 was no exception. The celebration took place at the Cefn Llan Community Centre and brought together members of the community to honour Welsh heritage with warmth and flair with Welsh Flag bunting and daffodils the national flower of Wales.
Attendees enjoyed:
- Live performances of Welsh folk music, including renditions of “Calon Lân”
- A buffet of Welsh delicacies, featuring cawl, bara brith, Welsh cakes.
- A quiz on Wales discovering new facts and opening doors on local Welsh people and Welsh locations,
Spring Hosting Locminé: Welsh Hospitality at Its Best
The Month of May saw the return leg of our twinning exchange, as Locminé Brittany visitors arrived in Pontardawe. Our guests were treated to a warm Welsh welcome, complete with guided tours of the Swansea Valley,
- a visit to Brecon Cathedral and Royal Welsh Regimental Museum,
- a soiree dinner at the Liberty Stadium showcased local cuisine together with entertainment from Welsh choir Cor Con Brio.
- There was also Boules on the Beach event at Aberavon with members and French visitors of all ages joining in for a friendly tournament followed traditional Fish and Chips, yum
Bastille Picnic: Summer Fun
July 2025 was sizzling hot with a heat wave, and we enjoyed a summer picnic to celebrate Bastille Day, known in France as La Fête Nationale, is celebrated every year on July 14th to commemorate a pivotal moment in French history: the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.
The picnic was another hit, with friendship, laugher and games that brought the community together in celebration.
Hearts of the Valley Festival
A massive thanks to the Hearts of the Valley festival and TAP volunteers who helped us with running a fund-raising stall, selling Welsh and French cakes, This Festival gives us the opportunity to meet old friends, make new friends, link in with other brilliant organisations as well as celebrate diverse community
Festive Finale: Christmas Celebration
We wrapped up the year with our traditional Christmas party at the Cefn Llan Community Centre. Members are invited to gathered to share stories, sing carols, and toast to a successful year of twinning. The evening should be a heartwarming reminder of the friendships that make TAP so special.
Looking Ahead
2026 will be the 40th Anniversary of the Twinning of the Sister Towns
As we turn the page to 2026, TAP remains committed to fostering international friendship and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned member or curious newcomer, we invite you to be part of our journey.