BANK HOLIDAY • OUTDOOR FESTIVAL • PENYDARREN PARK

THREE DAYS OF LIVE MUSIC AND COMMUNITY VIBES

AT THE HOME OF MERTHYR TOWN FC.

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FRIDAY 22 MAY

THE LUKE COMBS EXPERIENCE

MartyrsFest kicks off with a huge country night as The Luke Combs Experience brings the sound of modern Nashville to Merthyr. Expect all the anthems, big choruses and unmistakable Southern energy — from “Beautiful Crazy” to “Beer Never Broke My Heart.”

This full live-band show is built for singalongs, cold drinks and a packed-out crowd under the lights, with support from Diggs Galliers plus licensed bars and street food on site.

  • Doors: 6PM
  • Tickets: £20
  • Ages: 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
  • Curfew: 10PM sharp
Friday poster — The Luke Combs Experience
SATURDAY 23 MAY

BACK TO THE ZONE

Saturday belongs to Back to the Zone — a daytime disco nightclub experience bringing back the legendary Zone nightclub that ruled Merthyr through the 90s and early noughties.

DJ Shaun J and Kayleigh J will be dropping the same tracks that packed The Zone out back in the day, plus a load of special guests to be announced. Licensed bars and street food all day at Penydarren Park, wrapped up before 10PM.

  • Doors: 3PM
  • Ages: 18+ only
  • Curfew: 10PM
  • Licensed bars and street food available throughout the day
Saturday poster — Back to the Zone
SUNDAY 24 MAY

VORTEX FOOTBALL FUN DAY

Bank Holiday Sunday is all about community. VORTEX DAY combines a charity football match, live music, family entertainment and festival vibes for a proper day out.

  • Bank Holiday Sunday 24 May 2026 • From 10AM
  • Vortex Charity Match: Vortex XI vs Celebrity Select • Kick-off 1PM
  • Live music on The Vortex Stage from 3PM
  • Street food traders, licensed bar, kids activities, family entertainment and market stalls

Featuring live performances from Acacia, Slack, Riverside Buskers and The Ffugs.

Sunday ticket guide

Adults: £10 • Children (Under 16): £5 • Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £25 • Curfew: 10PM

Sunday poster — Family & Community Day

Tickets

Tickets are online-only. Wristbands issued on entry.

Friday — The Luke Combs Experience

Doors 6PM • £20 • Ages 16+

BUY FRIDAY TICKETS

Saturday — Back to the Zone

Doors 3PM • Ages 18+

BUY SATURDAY TICKETS

Sunday — Vortex Football Fun Day

Adults £10 • Children £5 • Family (2+2) £25

BUY SUNDAY TICKETS

FAQ’s

Can I leave and re-enter the event?

Friday & Saturday: No re-entry allowed.
Sunday: Re-entry may be allowed at management discretion.

Once you’re in on Friday or Saturday, you’re in for the duration.

What items can I bring into the event?

You can bring:

  • Small personal bags
  • Sunscreen, hats, etc.

You cannot bring:

  • Your own alcohol or drinks
  • Glass containers
  • Weapons or illegal items

All bags may be searched on entry.

Will there be food and drink available?

Yes—plenty.

  • Licensed bars operating all weekend
  • Street food traders on site

No need to bring anything—covered.

Is there seating available?

Yes, but limited. The event is mainly standing, however:

  • Seating is available in designated areas
  • Additional seating is available in bar areas

If you require seating for accessibility reasons, speak to staff on arrival.

Is the event accessible?

Yes:

  • Step-free access across the site
  • Accessible toilets available
  • Staff on hand to assist where needed

There is no raised viewing platform, so plan accordingly.

Will there be security on site?

Yes.

  • SIA licensed security
  • Bag checks on entry
  • Stewards and crowd management throughout

This is a properly managed event—not a free-for-all.

What time does the event finish?

All days have a strict 10:00pm curfew.

Music and amplified sound will stop at this time without exception.

Is there medical support on site?

Yes.

  • Dedicated First Aid / Medical centre
  • Qualified staff present throughout
  • Emergency services access maintained

If anything happens, you’ll be looked after.

What happens if I lose my wristband?

Treat it like a ticket—if it’s gone, it’s gone.

Lost wristbands will not be replaced without verification.

How do I enter the event?
  • Single controlled entry point
  • Tickets scanned on arrival
  • Wristband issued

No ticket = no entry. Simple.

Is the event indoors or outdoors?

It’s an outdoor festival inside Penydarren Park stadium, fully enclosed for safety and control.

Information

Venue

Penydarren Park
Park Terrace
Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 8RF

Get Directions

Nearest Car Parks

There is no on-site parking. The following car parks are a short walk from the venue in Merthyr Town Centre:

  • Castle Car Park
  • Pontmorlais Car Park
  • College Car Park
  • Abermorlais Car Park

View Car Parking Map