A Mediaeval Festival was held on 16th and 17th of June to celebrate the restoration of the tower at St Thomas's Church. This proved to be an outstanding success, attracting over 1,300 visitors. The church was decorated with banners and there were exhibitions of costume from the era. There was a model depicting the town of Neath in those times, complete with a Dr Who Tardis to enable time travel!!
The West Glamorgan Archive Service loaned their 'pop up' exhibition banners depicting the History of Neath Abbey and a model of Neath Castle formed the centre of an exhibition by the Neath Antiquarian Society.
Society members (some of who were suitably attired in period costume) provided information on Friday to visiting classes from local schools. This was supplemented by supporting learning packs that were handed to teachers for future projects.
On Saturday a huge crowd of visitors attended which again created a wonderful atmosphere. On this day the public were privileged to handle some genuine armour from the period, kindly loaned by a well-known local history enthusiast.
Both outside and inside the Old Town Hall there were many other activities, including re-enactment groups, brass rubbings and an exhibition of paintings by schoolchildren etc.
Heralded as a success, there are already whispers of a similar even being staged next year.