SHOPPERS were given an introduction to alternative therapies and medicine as part of a themed event in Pontypool over the weekend.

On Saturday, May 13, community group Friends of Pontypool Town held a Wellbeing Day event which saw over 24 stalls offer taster sessions and demonstrations on everything from hypnosis to massage therapy and a range of alternative treatments.

While many of the exhibitors travelled to showcase their skills, the event also marked the opening of the Total Wellbeing Clinic which opened in a permanent spot in Pontypool Indoor Market.

The Cotyledon Food and Craft Market also returned to the town offering a range of local produce and crafts from artisan bread and exotic curry pastes to Jamaican food and cakes.

Joey Chambers Face Painter provided children with colourful makeovers on the day while visitors were treated to music ranging from soothing panpipes to the Salvation Army Brass Band.

Community group, Friends of Pontypool Town, was started with the mission of “making Pontypool town centre a vibrant, safe and attractive place to live, work and visit”.

Chairwoman,Nikola Masters, reflecting on the event, said it was “very successful”.

“The traders and therapists who attended from the local area were very pleased with the day and hope to return in the future for further events,” she said.

“Many therapists were fully booked all day and we are very pleased that one group have decided to remain in the town and have formed the Total Wellness Clinic in Pontypool Indoor Market.

“They are now open six days a week and a great asset to the town.”

She added:“The Friends of Pontypool Town and Lily Graham Events worked really hard to get the event organised and should be proud of their achievements, the event attracted new visitors from Abertillery, Newport, Blaenavon and Usk.”

The Friends of Pontypool Town group meet at 5.20pm at Torfaen Voluntary Alliance on the first Tuesday of every month.

For more information, search “Friends of Pontypool Town” on Facebook.