AMMANFORD residents are in for a treat as the town hosts another great event.

The Twrch Trwyth Festival of Diversity will take place on the weekend of March 21 and 22 and aims to celebrate the rich and varied cultures that make up the town.

The festival is a joint venture between Amman Valley Mencap, Ammanford Chamber of Trade, Ammanford Enterprise Partnership and the town’s Neighbourhood Policing team – who have run Ammanford Multi Cultural events for the past seven years.

One Ammanford schoolgirl who is looking forward to the event is tenyear-old Alivia Morgan.

Alivia has been taking part in the multicultural events from an early age, and since attending she has come away with a host of knowledge about different cultures.

She has met with people from all over the world, from all walks of life, including the young, old, gay, transgender, hearing and vision impaired, and people with learning and physical disabilities.

Alivia is once again looking forward to attending the two-day event this year.

The Saturday will see the whole world descend on Ammanford town centre, starting with a six mile Twrch Trwyth Fairtrade trail, which sets off from Siop Lara, Brynaman, at 10am, and heads to Quay Street.

“The riverside walk through the Amman Valley is a fantastic route, I don’t think people realise just how beautiful it is,” said PC Steve Morris, who has been the driving force behind the event for the past seven years.

“All walkers will be given free Fairtrade bananas for that extra energy boost.”

In the town there will be an abundance of stalls by supporting organisations, street entertainers, musicians, dancers, food demonstrations and a flash mob.

The shops in Ammanford will be joining in the fun by participating in a window competition.

The competition showcases Bryn the Twrch as he travels around the world – with each store adopting a specific country theme to highlight Bryn’s journey.

On the Sunday, March 22, the festival will continue in the Amman Centre, from 1pm to 3.30pm where again this year, there will be a variety of stalls and food taster sessions with representatives from local cafes and restaurants.

Talks will also be given by community organisations such as Amman Valley Women’s Aid, Alzheimer’s society, Mencap, Talking Newspaper and Carmarthenshire People First.

“This is an event put on by the community, for the community,” said PC Morris.

“Events such as the Boar Festival, the Big Day Out and the recent Gwyl Ddewi Festival all bring people into the town, and the more tourists that pass through and decide to stop off for some shopping and a bite to eat the better.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to come along on March 21 and 22,” added PC Morris.