Fan Fare
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
“The Full Ponty:” A New Tom Jones-Inspired Tradition
Friday, March 3rd, 2006[This really doesn't have much to do with Tom and he's not quoted until the end of the story, but the name of the festival — "The Full Ponty" — is so great and, if it all works out, he will have started a tradition that will help revitalize his hometown's economy.]
Goldie Lookin’ Chain to follow in footsteps of Tom Jones Mar 3 2006
Karen Price, Western Mail
A major annual music festival is being launched in Pontypridd following the success of Tom Jones’s homecoming gig last summer.
Top Welsh bands like Feeder, Goldie Lookin’ Chain and Kerrang! Award winners Funeral For A Friend will be among the line-up for the first ever The Full Ponty event, which will be staged at Ynysangharad Park during the May Bank Holiday weekend.
The two-day festival will open on May 27 — exactly a year after Tom returned to the Green Green Grass of Home for his 65th birthday gig at Ponty Park.
It was the first time that such an event has been staged in the park but, at the time, organiser Emyr Afan said he hoped that more concerts could be held there in future.
Now his company, Pop Factory Events, is behind The Full Ponty, which will also feature a fringe festival programme.
The main bands will perform in a special 11,000-capacity tented area within the park.
Although Tom is unable to return to Pontypridd again this year, organisers hope he will be back again in future.
“Following on from the Tom Jones homecoming last year, Tom really, really was keen for an annual event to happen in Pontypridd,’ said Pablo Janzcur of Pop Factory Events.
“We talked about it a lot with him and his manager and the idea just grew from that.”
It is hoped this year’s festival is the first of many.
“We have a three-year plan to expand and establish this festival,” said Janzcur.
“The aim is to get the town of Pontypridd fully involved so it is not just a concert in the middle of a field somewhere.”
Chepstow-born Grant Nicholas, lead singer with headlining band Feeder, said, “We’re really pleased to have been asked to headline the first Pontypridd festival, it looks like being a fantastic weekend.
“We had a brilliant time playing Cardiff last December and can’t wait to get back to Wales.”
Around 25,000 fans packed into Ponty Park when Tom performed there.
His fans danced the night away to all his greatest hits.
Before he took to the stage he admitted he would be feeling emotional to be performing in his home town.
“You have got to try not to get emotional when you sing. If you’re too emotional, your throat closes up,” he said.
“I always feel emotional when I play in Cardiff but not so emotional as I will be doing a live show at Pontypridd for the first time since I left in 1964.”
The Full Ponty is at Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd, on May 27 and 28. Tickets go on sale today and cost £22.50 for the Saturday and £19.50 for the Sunday. They’re available from the box office on 029 2023 0130 or online at www.seetickets.com
