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Organisers of events paying tribute to the Armed Forces and their families in Neath Port Talbot are being invited to affiliate their own events with the festival, which takes place in October and November.

Now in its seventh year, the 2024 festival will include a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day and a concert at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot on Friday, October 25. The Festival has been chosen to support the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal at the Royal British Legion’s Garden of Remembrance in Aberafan Shopping Centre on Saturday 26 October during an information day with a flag raising ceremony. 

There will also be two art competitions for under 18s living in Neath Port Talbot – ‘The Art of Being a Military Child’ (for children and young people from service families) and ‘The Art of D-Day’.

The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Cllr Matthew Crowley said:

“Coming from a military family myself, the festival is an event that is very close to my heart.

“It is designed to pay tribute to the Armed Forces and their families in the county borough, both the fallen and veterans from the two World Wars and other global conflicts, and to honour those currently serving, including reservists and cadets, and their families for the ongoing contribution they make at home and abroad.

“The event also raises awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant, which the council has signed as a mark of our commitment to support the armed forces community in our area.

“We want to make the festival the biggest and best it can be and are inviting event organisers in Neath Port Talbot to affiliate their own events this year.

“We are particularly interested in armed forces themed, historical or other relevant events taking place between Monday 14 October and Monday 11 November 2024.”

By being part of the festival programme, affiliated events could benefit from free promotion, including on the council’s social media accounts, website, notice boards and on TV screens in public areas.

For more information and an online form go to https://forms.office.com/e/d4QMQsfwix, email armedforces@npt.gov.uk, or call: 07870 979336

The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot's Armed Forces Festival is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.