A SPECIAL programme filmed in the Swansea Valley celebrating the life and career of a popular Welsh entertainer will be aired tonight.

BBC One Wales will be airing its Max Boyce at 80 programme which was filmed as a mix of a documentary and performance on Friday, December 15.

The programme was filmed at the Pontardawe Arts Centre, one of the first places that Max performed at as a struggling songwriter and folk singer in the 70s. The venue was part of a circuit that led Max to hone his storytelling craft, learning to mix poetry, comedy and song to become one of Wales’ most iconic and beloved entertainers, with his songs and performances being enjoyed by all, young or old.

In a new landmark interview alongside Eleri Sion, he returns to the start of his career and his early life in Glynneath, providing an insight into his 80 years of life and 50 years of performance.

He will discuss how his album Live at Treorchy became a huge hit and catapulted him to some of the biggest stages in the world.

There will also be a series of short films shown which lift the lid on his life off the stage including tragic events that shaped his life, his passion for rugby and his local club including how he loves his hometown and is a caretaker for the clubhouse of Glynneath RFC. It is a side of Max that is rarely seen.

Max Boyce at 80 will be on BBC One Wales at 8pm on Friday, December 15 and will be available on BBC iPlayer.