Mae Gŵyl Gelfyddydau Castell-nedd yn dychwelyd o’r 15fed-19eg o Hydref 2025
4 September 2025
Neath Arts Festival returns from the 15th-19th of October 2025 with a programme of events showcasing the visual arts, literature, music, theatre and heritage, at venues across the town centre.
The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Dramatic Icons’ and we are pleased to welcome the actress Dame Siân Phillips to talk about her autobiography and stellar career before an audience at the Gwyn Hall. Turning the spotlight on other local dramatic icons, we are pleased to have the writer and academic Gillian Kelly discussing her new book about Neath born Oscar winner Ray Milland, and the writer Angela V. John talking about her book ‘Behind the Scenes: The Dramatic Lives of Philip Burton’, the man credited with helping Richard Burton find fame.
Former Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys will play a solo show at the Gwyn Hall following the release of his latest album ‘Dim Probs’, and St. David’s Church becomes a focus for performances by local musicians and singers.
Queen Street Gallery and Studio 40 are the locations for exhibitions of work by the Burton-Bont Group and artworks inspired by Under Milk Wood.
Neath Little Theatre will host a performance of ‘Martin Decker: DAD’ performed by Keiron Self and Neath Town Hall will be the location for four days of readings and discussions with an ecletic and exciting mix of writers including Lord Peter Hain, Joe Dunthorne and Gwenno Gwilym.
Our pop-up museum will open for three days at the Orchard Street Community Centre giving people an insight into the history of the town, and the festival will arrange visits by writers and musicians to local primary schools making sure hundreds of children will have cultural experiences.
There are a number of art and performance workshops for people who are looking for an opportunity to get creative during the festival too.
We are grateful to all our volunteers and partners for helping to realise this year’s event and pay particular thanks to Neath Town Council for its steadfast support in making it all happen. This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.