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Developed in partnership with Swansea University, the programme is supported by Welsh Government, through Event Wales, and by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Centenary Year ‘RB100’ will see events take place across the NPT region, all aiming to raise awareness of Richard Burton’s legacy and inspire more people to engage with the arts. 

To launch RB100, Neath Port Talbot Council is hosting the official opening the new Richard Burton Trails in his birthplace of Pontrhydyfen and childhood village of Taibach on 14th February. The Birthplace Trail and the Childhood Trail will be free for members of the public to visit after the launch, with QR codes available across each route sharing more insight and information about Richard Burton’s early life. 

The Trails will be open throughout the Centenary year, which will also invite locals and visitors to discover more about the actor through tours, workshops, talks, events, performances and screenings, encouraging a greater appreciation for his life and work.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s tourism team is leading the programme of events, in collaboration with partners across Wales, to bring Richard Burton’s legacy to life. 

Born in Pontrhydyfen and raised in Taibach, Port Talbot, Richard Burton’s story was one of humble beginnings. After Richard’s mother died and his father became unwell, his sister Cybil raised him from her Taibach home. His teacher, and later his legal guardian, Mr Philip Burton took him under his wing and encouraged him to pursue his acting talents on a professional level. 

Richard Burton’s acting career made him a household name of TV, theatre and film. He mastered the art of Shakespeare performances in West End productions, became a beloved figure of British television, and earned his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with performances in acclaimed films such as My Cousin Rachel, Alexandra the Great, Look Back in Anger, and Cleopatra. He was nominated for seven Oscars throughout his career, and yet it all began with vocal training on Margam Mountain and in Grammar School productions. 

His voice has become synonymous with Welsh arts following his performance of his hero Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood in the first complete UK stage reading and recording in 1954. 

Burton's granddaughter, Charlotte Ritchie, said: “It is incredibly thrilling to commemorate Grandpa Richard’s centenary in South Wales with so many passionate institutions. The opening of the Richard Burton trails is a perfect way to kick-off the celebrations and honour the hillsides that gave grandpa his voice. This year will be filled with community and family-led events that will hopefully honour the inherent artistic talent that this iconic region exudes. Thank you to all the event organisers, council members, artists, academics, teachers, and students for assembling this fantastic calendar.”

Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing at Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “Richard Burton’s legacy is one of creativity, passion, and incredible artistic achievement. The Centenary Year will be a wonderful opportunity to inspire more people to take part in the arts and to learn more about how Richard Burton represented Wales on the international stage and silver screen. We look forward to launching RB100 with the opening of the new Richard Burton Trails.

“The Richard Burton Centenary will provide a platform for the arts, supporting creativity here in a region which is proudly known as ‘the Dramatic Heart of Wales’. Named for its creative spirit, striking landscape and wealth of actors who have called this region home, the Dramatic Heart of Wales will celebrate Richard Burton’s contribution to film, theatre and radio.  

“Despite his success and international acclaim, Richard Burton never forgot his Welsh roots and often returned home to visit family in Port Talbot. He named his home in Switzerland after ‘Pays de Galles’ – French for Wales – and continued to speak Welsh with family throughout his life. His success is a credit to the community that raised him here in Neath Port Talbot, especially his schoolteacher Phillip Burton, and we hope the Centenary can promote more community engagement and support for the arts in this creative, artistic region.” 

Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, said: “Neath Port Talbot is synonymous with actors and entertainers, none bigger than Richard Burton – a true Welsh icon.

“I am delighted we have been able to support this wonderful programme of events in his honour, and look forward to seeing RB100 serve as an engaging celebration of our rich artistic tradition.”

Find out more about RB100 by visiting richardburton100.org.