Get ready for a ROAR-some time as one of the biggest and best FREE family events returns to beautiful Aberdare Park next month.

Aberdare Festival is back over the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend, with a huge line-up of attractions, activities and live entertainment for all.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is once again hosting Aberdare Festival in the grounds of Aberdare Park on Saturday, May 25. Gates open from 11am until 5pm, with entry FREE for all the family.

Sponsored by award-winning, family favourites, Penaluna's Famous Fish and Chips, who will be bringing their fish and chip van if you fancy a taste of some of the best seaside fayre in Wales! Aberdare Festival is open from 11am to 5pm and entrance - plus most attractions - won't cost you a penny!

Budding scientists, Circus wannabes, animal-lovers and thrill-seekers will all find plenty to do and the live Sooty Show will be great for tots - while Pink and Bruno Mars tribute acts will perform for older visitors.

The VIP guests to the festival this year will be Little Al, the UK's biggest walking, roaring, mechanical dinosaur and his prehistoric pals.

The full line up of attractions so far includes:

Circus Skills: Try out juggling, plate-spinning, diablo and more with a Handful of Hats

Circus Show: Fun and laughter with Chunkie Russell.

Little Al and his prehistoric pals - loads of interactive, super friendly dinosaurs with their knowledgeable keeper.

Hands-on science experiments with Letterbox Lab - thrill the kids with experiments, colours and science tricks.

Live Sooty, Sweep and Sue show on the main stage - television's beloved puppet show arrives on stage with fun and games for kids.

Bruno Mars and Pink tribute acts - enjoy some of your favourite tunes performed live in the park

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Small animal petting zoo - rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, sheep, goats, pony, geese and more!

Land train - take a free ride around the grounds of the lovely Aberdare Park on the mini train - all aboard!

Freemans funfair will also be at the festival with a huge range of rides suitable for all ages, including soft play for toddlers and thrill rides for older (or bigger) kids. Please note funfair rides cost between £1 and £3.50 each.

There will also be local craft stalls and food vendors in the park, offering plenty of handmade gifts and refreshments.

Councillor Maureen Webber, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Aberdare Festival is one of the most popular events that the Council organises annually, and a firm favourite with families. Aberdare Festival kicks off the start of the Council’s jam-packed events calendar, with events organised across the County Borough throughout the year. “Free events such as these continue to attract thousands of visitors and help boost the local economy by bringing a large influx of people into our town centres and surrounding areas. “The Council has invested over £100,000 in Aberdare Park over recent years through the #RCTinvest programme, which has seen play area upgrades, boats returned to the lake, restoration of the iconic fountain, resurfacing works, planting and general maintenance. “The Council also works with Friends of Aberdare Park to develop the park further following recent investment, which has seen the hard-working volunteers of Friends of Aberdare Park set up a weekly parkrun amongst other activities. “Aberdare Festival provides an opportunity to showcase all that the park and the local area has to offer and we look forward to welcoming everyone on Saturday, May 25.”

Are you interested in having a pitch at Aberdare Festival 2019 or being a part of the day as a food vendor? Email events@rctcbc.gov.uk for further information.

Visitors to Aberdare Festival will also be able to enjoy all the regular features at Aberdare Park, including the popular boating lake, which was completely drained, cleaned, refilled and re-opened in 2017 as part of the Council’s £100,000 investment at the beauty spot. Take to the water in the four-person boats and make the most of your visit to Aberdare Park!

Admission to Aberdare Festival is FREE

Aberdare Festival 2019 takes place at Aberdare Park on Saturday, May 25. Gates open from 11am until 5pm.

Please note there will be additional charges for some attractions. For further details visit the www.aberdarefestival.co.uk You can also call the Council’s Events Team on 01443 424123 or email events@rctcbc.gov.uk

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Posted on Tuesday 23rd April 2019