Massive Changes Planned for In It Together Festival in Margam Following Recent Decision
The landscape of the In It Together Festival in Margam is set to transform significantly after a monumental decision was made to approve key alterations. The event, held at Old Park Farm in Margam, Neath Port Talbot, is on the brink of a major upgrade despite facing opposition from local residents regarding the behaviour of some attendees. The festival has gained popularity over the years, drawing in crowds from all corners of the country with top-tier acts such as Two Door Cinema Club, Rag’n’Bone Man, and Dizzee Rascal gracing its stages.
In a move that has stirred both excitement and concern amongst locals, a licence application has been given the green light by the Neath Port Talbot Council to ramp up the festival’s capacity from just under 30,000 to a whopping 35,000 attendees in 2025. Additionally, there are plans for gradual capacity increases over the next four years, with the potential for nearly 50,000 people to partake in the event by 2028. The In It Together Festival, dubbed as Wales’ largest family-oriented festival, has caught the attention of festival-goers far and wide, making it a standout in the region’s event calendar.
During the licensing committee meeting held on January 20, representatives from Climax Promotions & Events Limited, the festival’s organisers, highlighted the event’s remarkable success on both commercial and licensing fronts since its inception. The decision to expand the festival was deemed proportional following previous sell-out shows and positive reception from attendees. However, this move was met with opposition from a faction of local residents who voiced concerns over transparency, potential anti-social behaviour, and escalated traffic congestion in the vicinity.
Resident objections included accounts of traffic disruptions, instances of illegal parking, property damage, and unwelcome behaviour during the 2024 festival. Furthermore, some residents expressed discontent over their properties being subjected to unsolicited activities like public urination, adding to the grievances raised against the festival. Despite the opposition, a constructive dialogue ensued during the meeting, with residents expressing overall support for the event while stressing the need to address community concerns, especially those related to property ownership and neighbourhood integrity.
Acknowledging the objections raised, festival organisers refuted claims of a lack of transparency while showcasing readiness to engage in further discussions to mitigate the identified issues. Plans are already in place to bolster security measures, introduce additional exit strategies at the festival site, and implement a comprehensive traffic management plan to alleviate traffic challenges. The committee ultimately approved the licence post discussions, signifying a pivotal moment in the festival’s evolution and paving the way for a revamped experience for future attendees.
As the festival gears up for progressive growth and transformative changes, the local community remains at the forefront of considerations, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring harmonious coexistence between the event and its surroundings. The In It Together Festival’s journey towards expansion embodies a blend of ambition, adaptation, and community collaboration, shaping its trajectory towards a more inclusive and well-balanced future for all stakeholders involved.