A WELL known Amman Valley folk band have celebrated 30 years together with a party to remember.

Jac y Do first performed together in 1987 in a twmpath dance at Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera.

The four original members, Eifion Price on the violin, Hywel Bowen on the keyboard, Ceri Morgan on the guitar and singing, and Randal Isaac calling the twmpath and playing drums, were all teachers at the school.

In an informal chat one night, the four had an idea of forming a small group to play live music at folk dances – and so Jac y Do was born.

The group have enjoyed many successes and highlights over their three decades, and have travelled all over the world.

As well as performing in twmpathau, they have also appeared in concerts, at the National Eisteddfod, agricultural shows including the Royal Welsh, on programmes like Noson Lawen and Heno, dance and music festivals in Wales.

They have also appeared overseas at twinning events abroad with Ammanford, Cwmaman, and Llandybie, in places like Brittany and Majorca, represented Wales for the Welsh Tourist Board in America, and at the Toronto Festival they won a ribbon for best performance out of 30 countries.

They have played at Strade Park, and travelled with Llanelli Rugby Club referee Nigel Owens to a cultural festival in Hungary.

They have performed in events to raise money for charities including Mencap, Cancer Research UK, Childline, and the Kodaly Institution.

Current and former members were joined by family, friends and fans for a celebration in Llandybie Hall.

All proceeds from the evening went to Amman Valley Hospital League of Friends.

Violinist Eifion Price said: “Jac y Do have been playing for 30 years. Not a lot of performers can say that.

“We have achieved so much over the years and it is such a huge achievement to reach our 30th birthday.

“We want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years and we hope to see everyone again at our 40th anniversary party.”

Current and former members were joined by family, friends and fans for a celebration in Llandybie Hall.

All proceeds from the evening went to Amman Valley Hospital League of Friends.