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A celebration of Welsh culture brought thousands of visitors to Blackwood as the town hosted a brand new event.

The Big Welsh Festival was held in the town on Saturday February 28, bringing a range of stalls selling food and handcrafted goods, as well as funfair rides, children’s activities and more.

There was also Welsh-themed street theatre and a host of entertainers, including tributes to Tom Jones and other Welsh icons – as well as traditional Welsh songs.

The event was organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council and funded by Blackwood Town Council, alongside money from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Blackwood town mayor George Etheridge, speaking on behalf of Blackwood Town Council, described it as a “fantastic event enjoyed by so many” and said: “The sun shone all day which is always a bonus.”

He continued: “Traders gave positive feedback and posted some wonderful pictures on Facebook.

“We would like to thank Bargoed, Caerphilly, Risca and Ystrad Mynach town centre businesses for their support in advertising the festival in their town centres. It was so nice to see this community partnership.

“Blackwood Town Council are proud to support such events financially and are looking forward to working with CCBC events team by helping to fund and support future events in the town centre this year.”

McKenzie’s Cafe Bar in Blackwood said: “It was amazing to see the high street as busy as it was, and so lovely to see both new and familiar faces out enjoying the day.

“It was non-stop from start to finish, and a massive well done to the whole team for pulling through such a busy one and making it a real success.”

Bridgend based business Eleri’s Welsh Cakes, which had a stall at the event, said: “The Big Welsh Festival in Blackwood was a recipe for success – sunshine, community spirit and plenty of Welshcakes.

“We were blown away by the support and are proud to say we sold out on the day. There’s nothing better than seeing people enjoying a taste of Wales together.”

The next event in the council’s calendar is Bargoed Spring Fair, which is being held on Saturday March 21.