An annual parade through a Welsh town that marks Remembrance Day will not be taking place this year, it's been confirmed. The usual parade through the streets of Port Talbot commemorates all those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, and pays respect to all those who have defended our country in the past and at present.
Pre-pandemic, hundreds of people would line the streets to support the Royal British Legion and local war heroes as a military band and dozens of former and current members of the armed forces would march through the town. It's always been a poignant and special occasion for the town and many people were expecting the event to return this year.
Whilst the parade did return in 2021, it will not be taking place this year due to an issue in staffing the event with enough police officers, Neath Port Talbot Council has confirmed.
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However, there will be several Remembrance Sunday events taking place within Talbot Memorial Park in the town - and it's hoped the parade will return next year. Want the latest Neath Port Talbot news straight to your inbox? We send our email subscribers a newsletter twice per week with the latest news from the region. Sign up here
A spokesperson for Neath Port Talbot Council said: "In recent years Covid has disrupted the well-supported local Remembrance Sunday events. In addition to this there has been a national shift in the stance of police forces towards security at parades. Working alongside our partners, the decision has been taken that this year the Remembrance Sunday events in Port Talbot will take place within the town’s Talbot Memorial Park. However, all partners are working together to ensure the full parade can resume from next year."
Chair of the Port Talbot branch of the Royal British Legion, Pam Waite added: "We have worked with the council to find a solution which would provide a shorter, safe parade route but for this year we opted for an event held solely within Talbot Memorial Park.
"I would urge all to attend as usual, as wreath laying and prayer, and other features of the service will remain the same. It is hoped that by next year’s event we will have had time, working with our partners, to have a parade as usual."
The statement comes after WalesOnline was contacted by concerned local people who had heard that the event may not be going ahead due to local police forces not having enough officers available to staff the parade.
Remembrance events in Neath Port Talbot
Whilst the parade is not taking place this year, there are still a range of events happening across Neath Port Talbot to honour the fallen and veterans from the First and Second World War and other global conflicts. The Armed Forces Festival "also honours those currently serving and their families for the ongoing contribution they make at home and abroad," Neath Port Talbot Council said.
Remembrance Concert
Briton Ferry Town Council and Veterans REORG at the Hub, Vernon Place Community Hub are hosting a Remembrance Concert at the Community Hall, Briton Ferry on Friday, November 4 2022.
The concert starts at 7pm and will run until 9pm.. Tickets are £2 each (children free entry). There will be a bar available for refreshments.
Organisers said: "The concert is a tribute to our service men and women past and present. There are various acts performing on the night including Mark Adams, Briton Ferry Musical Theatre Group 2022, Scarlett Bree Davies, Llansawel Oddballs Choir and the Briton Ferry Silver Band. This is the first concert of Remembrance held in the hall since the pandemic and we would like to see the hall full to enjoy the concert and to support our Veterans."
Visit this page of the Briton Ferry Council website for more information.
The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot's Armed Forces Festival Concert including a Remembrance Service
The Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot will play host to a special Armed Forces Festival Concert, with special guests Kirsten Orsborn, Kev Johns, Bois Afan Male Voice Choir, bagpiper John Campbell and the Neath Port Talbot Cerdd Youth Brass Band.
The concert will take place on Friday, November 11 2022 at 7pm. Tickets, which cost £12.10 for adults and £9.90 for children or for an adult in a group of eight or more, can be purchased online here.
Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Councillor Robert Wood said: "The concert is going to be a really special evening during which we thank and remember those who have served their country and honour the contribution of the Armed Forces, their families, and civilians in Neath Port Talbot.
“2022 marked the 40th anniversary of the Falklands war, during which 255 British personnel lost their lives and we are aiming to capture some of the stories from local people in our event this year.
“We'd love to see as many people as possible to come along and support the event to pay tribute to the brave people who have given so much during times of conflict."
Poppy Crafts and local history Remembrance Coffee Morning
Go along to Port Talbot Library on Friday, November 5 2022 for craft activities and a coffee morning. At 9.30am, there will be a workshop where people can create a poppy to decorate the library window and at 10.30am there will be a Remembrance coffee morning - organisers request people wear black or red to honour local armed forces heroes. For more information on the poppy craft activity, go to this page of the Neath Port Talbot website and go to this page for more information on the coffee morning.
Remembrance Talk & Slideshow
Pontardawe Library is hosting a Remembrance Talk and Slideshow on Tuesday, November 8 2022 at 2pm. More information can be found online here or by emailing pontardawe.library@npt.gov.uk
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