Neath Port Talbot Armed Forces Festival 2026
The Neath Port Talbot Armed Forces Festival pays tribute to members of the Armed Forces community and their families. It remembers veterans and those who lost their lives in the World Wars and other conflicts, while recognising the contribution of serving personnel and military families today.
Join us to commemorate past service and celebrate the ongoing contribution the Armed Forces make to communities at home and abroad.
The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Remembrance Concert 2026
A very special evening to pay tribute to members of our Armed Forces Community.
Hosted by Mal Pope, the evening will feature performances from:
- Penelope George
- Cerdd NPT Youth Brass Band
- The City of Swansea Pipe Band
- 334 (Neath) Squadron RAF Air Cadets Band
- Josh and Makalya Lodwick
Tickets
- £10 Standard (including booking fee)
- £8 Concessions (including booking fee)
Concessions available to:
- Under 16s
- People aged 60 and over
- Armed Forces veterans
- Armed Forces reservists
- Armed Forces cadets
- Serving Armed Forces personnel
- Groups of 8 or more
Seating is unreserved.
Neath Port Talbot Armed Forces Festival 2026
Saturday 24 October 2026
10am to 3.30pm
Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot
Free entry
The Festival Day marks the launch of the Royal British Legion Port Talbot Poppy Appeal and offers an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn more about the Armed Forces community and the organisations that support it.
Visitors can enjoy:
- a flag-raising ceremony
- exhibitions
- information stands
- live entertainment
Participating organisations include:
- 334 (Neath) Squadron RAF Air Cadets Band
- Swansea Ukelele Club
Art Competitions
We’re inviting young people to take part in two exciting creative competitions as part of the NPT Armed Forces Festival 2026.
Entries will be displayed at Aberafan Shopping Centre during the festival.
Deadline for entries – Thursday 8 October 2026 at 3pm
The competition is open to children and young people aged 17 and under who live in Neath Port Talbot.
Age categories
Entries will be judged in the following age groups:
- 0 to 7 years
- 8 to 12 years
- 13 to 17 years
Entries for each category can be a:
- poem
- short story
- picture
Competition themes
The Art of The Armed Forces
This competition invites children and young people from across Neath Port Talbot to explore what the Armed Forces mean to them through creative work.
The Art of Being a Military Child
This competition invites children and young people to share their interpretation of life as a military child.
This category is open to children and young people from military families where at least one parent or guardian is currently serving in the Armed Forces.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded in each age category.
- First prize - £40 Amazon voucher
- Second prize - £20 Amazon voucher
- Third prize - £10 Amazon voucher
Prize collection
Prize winners must collect their prizes from Aberafan Shopping Centre with a parent or guardian.
Prizes will be available for collection on 24 October 2026 or at another date and time arranged with winners.
Further information
For further information, speak to your teacher or email: armedforces@npt.gov.uk
Affiliate your event
Event organisers in Neath Port Talbot are being invited to affiliate their own events with the festival.
As part of the festival programme, events could benefit from free promotion, including on the council’s social media accounts, website and notice boards.
Event organisers interested in affiliating with the 2026 Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Armed Forces Festival can complete an online form, or for more information email: armedforces@npt.gov.uk.