Maesteg is celebrating 200 years in 2026 with a calendar of events honouring the town’s industrial heritage, cultural life and community spirit. From football festivals and gala celebrations to local history talks on photography, mining, art and listed buildings, Maesteg 200 offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the story of this proud Llynfi Valley town.
The marking of the anniversary looks back at ironworks, collieries and historic buildings as well as celebrating the people who continue to make the town distinctive: volunteers, performers, historians, sports clubs, schools, local businesses and residents who are helping to tell Maesteg’s story for a new generation.
Maesteg 200 events coming up in 2026
Here are some of the events coming up in 2026 as part of Maesteg 200 celebrations. In addition to these upcoming events, the wider Maesteg 200 programme has already included a history exhibition at Maesteg Town Hall, marking the founding of the town on 24 March 1826, and community-led activity such as school performances, sporting events and local heritage projects
Sunday 7th June: Maesteg 200 Girls Football Festival - Caerau Welfare Park
The Valley Foxes FC Girls Football Club hosts an all-girls football festival as part of the anniversary celebrations
Saturday 13th June, 10am to 11pm: Gala Festival / Maesteg’s Big 200 - The Bicentennial Variety Day at Maesteg Celtic Sports Club
A full day of craft stalls, entertainment, music and performances, including Aled Williams, Maesteg Ukulele Club, Llantastic Choir, the return of a sponsored cycle team from Menai Bridge, and evening performances by Alex John, Theresa J and One Mic Stand.
Saturday 20th June, 2pm: Photography in Maesteg During the 20th Century - Maesteg RFC
Dr Jude Brigley explores how photography developed in Maesteg, using local photographs to bring the story to life.
Thursday 16th July, 2pm: Christopher Williams, Maesteg Artist - Maesteg Town Hall
A heritage talk on Christopher Williams, the Maesteg-born artist whose paintings can be seen in the Town Hall. The session is led by Stefanie Van Stokkom, Heritage and Development Manager for Awen.
Saturday 12 September 2026, 2pm: Maesteg Banana King - Maesteg Cricket Club
David Lewis, President of Llynfi Valley Historical Society, reveals the link between Garth Colliery and the Canary Islands.
Saturday 10 October 2026, 2pm: Our Mining Past - Maesteg Cricket Club
Author Ian Isaac explores the valley’s mining history, including its struggle, triumph and tragedy
Thursday 19 November 2026, 2pm: The Singer and His Songs - Maesteg Town Hall
A talk on Thomas Llyffnwy Thomas, who was born in Maesteg and built a successful singing career in America and Wales
Saturday 5 December 2026, 2pm: Maesteg Listed Buildings - Maesteg Cricket Club
David Lewis leads a session exploring Maesteg’s listed buildings and the stories behind them.
For the latest information and full listings, visit the official Maesteg 200 website and keep an eye on Visit Bridgend for more events across the county borough.
