Pontypridd’s Ynysangharad War Memorial Park has been deemed ‘unusable’ following the National Eisteddfod and heavy rainfall, leading to the cancellation of the annual fireworks display. The park, which hosted the National Eisteddfod in August, remains waterlogged and muddy, with some areas completely inundated by water. Images taken on September 30 show ducks swimming in the flooded fields, highlighting the impact of the event and recent wet weather on the park’s condition.
The park, which closed in stages before the Eisteddfod and fully shut to the public from July 31 to August 14, has struggled to recover from the large cultural festival. While local businesses benefited from increased trade during the Eisteddfod, some reported lower footfall as regular customers avoided the area. Additionally, residents lamented the extended closure of the park and its lido during the school holidays, causing frustration among locals.
After the Eisteddfod, the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council noted a significant increase in footfall in Pontypridd town centre. However, recent photos depict the lasting effects of the event on the park, with muddy and flooded fields still evident. The cancellation of the Ponty Big Bang fireworks display, an annual event attracting families from Pontypridd and the Rhondda Valleys, was announced due to the park’s unsuitability for hosting the event this year.
The organisers of Ponty Big Bang expressed regret over the cancellation but affirmed plans for the event’s return in 2025. The fairground usually accompanying the fireworks display, which supports local causes, will not proceed this year due to the park’s condition. Despite efforts to explore alternative options for the event, the organisers deemed it unfeasible to hold the display at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in its current state.
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council acknowledged the challenges posed by the park’s condition and expressed anticipation for future collaborations with event organisers. They emphasised ongoing efforts to restore the cricket grounds to their usual standards by April 2025. Despite the cancellation of the fireworks display, the Council aims to work closely with organisers on upcoming events.
The recent images captured after heavy rainfall illustrate the lingering impact of the National Eisteddfod and inclement weather on Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The visible waterlogging and mud serve as a reminder of the park’s temporary closure for the Eisteddfod and its current inaccessibility. As the park grapples with these challenges, efforts continue to restore its facilities and prepare for future events with the aim of revitalising this community space.