PONTYPOOL will be hosting its new ‘Party in the Park’ on Saturday.

Replacing the town’s carnival, the revised summer party will be in Pontypool Park rather than through the town.

Taking place from 11am to 5pm, it is also set to be a celebration of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.

Spellbound, a band featuring members from Cwmbran, Pontypool and Newport, will be the headline music act.

They are headlining a packed line up of acts, including singers Emily Clemo Richards and Scott Alexander, the Tenovus Choir, PowerHouse Dance, the Amanda Ellis Street Dancers and Theatre AdHoc.

Between acts, professional MC and comedian Jools Constant will be providing some light hearted work as compere.

Nikola Masters, chair of Pontypool Traders Association, said: “We are really excited, there is going to be a sports theme and we are expecting the changes to make a big difference.

“There will also be a section catering for kids as young as three.”

For the first time, the Pontypool events committee has partnered with Torfaen Leisure Trust, Bron Afon Community Housing and Melin Homes to help deliver the event.

Cllr Lewis Jones of Torfaen council, said: “We’re also embracing the Olympics in a big way, and hope to use the day to celebrate all that is great about our local and national sports men and women and make it an action packed programme.”

The event will provide Torfaen’s many sporting clubs the opportunity to showcase their talents with demonstrations and there will also be arts and crafts, laser tag, trampolines and an inflatable assault course, community and charity stalls, and a fun fair. A children’s parade will start at 2pm in the centre field and wind its way throughout the park.