Councillors have backed plans to mark the 100th anniversaries of the National Lido of Wales, a bandstand, and a memorial to the father and son who wrote the Welsh national anthem. All three landmarks are located in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd.
Centenary plans for bandstand, lido, and memorial
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is exploring ways to mark the centenaries of the bandstand, the National Lido of Wales, and the Evan James and James James memorial. The Ynysangharad War Memorial Park cabinet sub-committee gave its backing to the proposals.
The Grade II-listed Lido Ponty was originally built in 1927 and will celebrate its centenary in 2027. The lido closed in 1991 and re-opened in 2015 following a restoration project. The council proposes to mark the lido's centenary during 2027, subject to budget availability and trustee agreement.
Bandstand centenary and memorial plans
This year marks the centenary of the permanent bandstand, which opened in 1926. The council proposes an official event in September to mark the occasion, with a budget identified in the 2026-27 events programme. A designed plaque may also be placed on the bandstand, subject to budget and trustee approval.
The Evan James and James James memorial, unveiled on July 23, 1930, celebrates its centenary in 2030. The Grade II*-listed memorial, designed by Sir W Goscombe John, commemorates the lyricist and composer of Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the Welsh national anthem. It features two bronze allegorical figures representing poetry and music, rather than statues of the two men. The council proposes marking its centenary in 2030, subject to budget and trustee agreement.
Councillors support celebrations
Councillor Maureen Webber, chair of the committee and deputy leader of the council, said they should celebrate the bandstand's centenary. "It's a significant feature in the park. It's a beautiful bandstand," she said. She added that the public love the fact they can go there and enjoy music from all different genres and that it has a huge part to play in the running of the park.
Councillor Christina Leyshon agreed with having celebrations for the bandstand, the Lido, and the Evan James and James James memorial. Leader of the council, Councillor Ann Crimmings, said she is happy to support potential activities as part of the celebrations while being mindful of spend. She said the venue as a tourist attraction is fantastic, and that people come there from all over, adding that there is a health and well-being element as well as a cultural one.
The committee report states: "The centenary of the bandstand, the lido, and the Evan James and James James memorial presents a valuable opportunity to celebrate its historical significance, its recent restoration and its ongoing contribution to community life. It also provides a platform to further strengthen partnerships with local organisations and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area."
