Area: Neath Port Talbot

The Category Neath and Port Talbot is a subset of Mid and West Wales.

‘In 2013, as a reaction to the threat of the UK recession and the growth of Internet shopping, Neath Music Academy was established. The idea was to diversify by expanding into music tuition. Initially, Lessons were offered in one studio within the shop, but in 2014 the first floor premises was refurbished and three teaching studios created offering lessons on piano, guitar, violin and music theory. The music school has since gone from strength to strength ...’

‘The tutors at Stage 8 deliver fun filled musical theatre classes to over 500 young people across south wales! Children develop at an extraordinary rate when involved with the arts and our input helps them develop key skills such as confidence, social skills, teamwork and hardwork whilst also developing them into confident young performers ready to hit the stage or screen ... Weekly classes in Neath, Morriston, Gowerton, Sketty, Glais and Ysgol Bae Baglan.’

'Formed in January 2010 ... open to anyone aged 18 years and over to come along and enjoy the experience of singing with others some of the most wonderful music. At present the Choir has over 60 members, some of whom have been attracted to the choir from Swansea and Bridgend as well as the surrounding district of Neath ... The Choir is ideal for those who have always wanted to sing with others but are wary of taking on a heavy commitment of rehearsals, concerts, charity events, tours, etc. This is NOT the aim or purpose of Neath Polyphonic Choir, whose weekly rehearsals are fun experiences for everyone and the Choir’s two or three concerts a year are just an additional highlight.'

‘The Band is established, as part of the TATA Sports & Social Club, to: i. Provide a competent and viable band to represent TATA in the local community; ii. Represent both TATA and Port Talbot in the wider world; iii. Provide a musical service to TATA for official engagements if available; iv. Provide a musical service to the wider community in the Port Talbot area; v. Promote musicianship amongst younger members of the local community ... In order to carry out the objects herein before provided, the Band shall, wherever possible: i. Formulate, prepare and establish a programme of public concerts during each year; ii. Make itself available to take part in a number of charity events every year; iii. Work within the local community to provide music for events such as Armistice Day, Christmas and Easter festivals, summer events etc; iv. Take part in brass band contests, whenever possible, in order to both promote the TATA name and to ensure the continued development of the Band; v. Establish a chamber ensemble, under the name TATA Brass, to perform at diverse events where a full band would not be suitable; vi. Establish a TATA Training Band for the encouragement and development of young players and returning players.’

‘The impressive Princess Royal Theatre is a multi purpose venue and events include the annual pantomime, professional and amateur shows, concerts, children's shows, opera, musicals ... With a capacity of 798 for full theatre events, almost all needs can be catered for.’