Ammanford has accepted the county council’s nomination to become Carmarthenshire’s Cultural Town for 2018.

Following a well-attended meeting at the town, arrangements will now be made to co-ordinate events throughout 2018, which will include a programme reflecting a wide range of Welsh cultural events.

Llansteffan has been nominated to be Carmarthenshire’s Cultural Village for 2018.

“We need to celebrate our strong cultural activities within Carmarthenshire”, Said Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths the County Council’s Executive Board Member for Culture and Leisure.

"We look to Ammanford and Llansteffan to take a lead as we promote this rich aspect of our lives within our communities."

Co-ordinating Forums have been set up in Ammanford and Llansteffan consisting of representatives of different organisations to prepare, expand and promote strong cultural activities throughout next year.

In Ammanford, Menter Iaith Bro Dinefwr will lead with the co-ordinating arrangements.

“We hope that the Amman Valley and surrounding areas will also be part of our cultural activities in Ammanford,” said Owain Gruffydd, the Chief Officer for the Fenter.

“We have a strong tradition of rich Welsh culture in this old mining area and we hope to celebrate that aspect regularly with local people as well as attracting contributions from outside for special events.

"We have an excellent base at our attractive Miner’s Theatr in the centre of Ammanford which can be one of many cultural bases we can use during the year.”

Local County Councillor Carys Jones, who chaired the Llansteffan public meeting said that she was so pleased with the enthusiasm shown.

She said: “2018 will also be ‘The Year of the Sea’ as announced by the Welsh Government’s ‘Visit Wales’ Tourism Section.

"This will give us the opportunity to develop a possible theme to our activities and attract more tourists to participate in our events.

“Although Llansteffan will be the main focal point, we hope to include the surrounding villages of Llanybri, Llangain and Llangynnog who are within the same electoral ward to be involved in arranging many cultural activities throughout the year.”

On April 6, 2018 the council’s Cultural Department will stage a County wide Welsh Cultural event at Y Ffwrnes.

“This will be an opportunity to celebrate and honour all aspects of Sir Gar’s achievements in The Arts and Culture” said Cllr. Hughes Griffiths.

"These are very exciting times and an aspect of our lives we hope to develop further in years to come.”