Chart-topping girl band Little Mix will be among the stars performing at Ponty's Big Weekend

Thousands of music fans have joined the mad frenzy to get their tickets for this year’s Ponty’s Big Weekend, which takes place on July 20-21.

Tickets for the massive two-day event at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, went on sale at 9am on Thursday, March 21.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, and its partners Orchard Entertainment, are proudly bringing chart-topping bands JLS, Little Mix and Union J to the County Borough this summer.

At the front of the queue at the Council’s Muni Arts Centre Box Office on Thursday morning was JLS ‘super fan’ Tiegan Newman, 10, of Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd. Accompanied by her family, she spent hours standing in the cold and the rain just to get her hands on Ponty’s Big Weekend tickets.

And Teigan was not on her own - hundreds of people booked their tickets online at www.pontybigweekend.co.uk and many more queued up at Council Box Offices at the Muni Arts Centre, Parc & Dare Theatre, Treorchy, and Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare.

JLS make a welcome return to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park for the Saturday event on July 20.

Tiegan was also at Ponty’s Big Weekend in 2010 when her favourite boy band was the headline act, performing in front of a sell-out 7,000 fans.

“I can’t wait to see JLS again. I can’t believe they are coming back to perform in my local park. It’s like a dream come true,” said Tiegan.

“I was only eight when I saw them at Ponty’s Big Weekend. I am older now but I am still their biggest fan - they are the best!”

Also performing at Ponty’s Big Weekend on the Saturday will be Little Mix and Union J - all proving that Rhondda Cynon Taf has that magical ‘X Factor!’ More acts to be announced soon.

News that three of the biggest names in the entertainment world are performing at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s flagship event is a major boost for the County Borough.

It secures the place of Pontypridd, and indeed the whole of Rhondda Cynon Taf, as a magnificent venue for a summer music festival for fans of all ages, and the envy of all music promoters.

Now in its sixth consecutive year, Ponty’s Big Weekend is once again fast securing Pontypridd and the County Borough a prominent place on the national summer music festival scene.

Ponty’s Big Weekend organisers Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, and its music promoter partner Orchard Entertainment, are excited with the 2013 line-up of acts that will be the envy of any music festival around the country.

Cllr Maureen Webber, Cabinet Member for Council Business and Public Relations, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming JLS back to Ponty’s Big Weekend, which is much bigger than when they first appeared back in 2010 - many more Rhondda Cynon Taf residents than ever before will be able to purchase tickets to see this great band.

“Where else in the country will you be able to get the opportunity to see JLS on the same bill as Little Mix,and Union J this summer?”

Christian Hanagan, Head of Strategy, PR and Tourism at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Ponty’s Big Weekend continues to go from strength to strength every year and our hard work is paying off as we continue to deliver an annual music festival that grabs the attention of the rest of the UK and, importantly, is supporting our on-going efforts to boost the local economy and establish Rhondda Cynon Taf as a major visitor destination.”

Ponty’s Big Weekend is organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, in partnership with Orchard Entertainment, Wales’ largest independent music promoter and communications company.

Orchard’s Dave Driscoll said: “Not only do we have this fantastic line-up on the Saturday of Ponty’s Big Weekend, but we also have some big names in entertainment and musical theatre programmed for the following day at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, making it another truly memorable weekend in Rhondda Cynon Taf.”

Ponty’s Big Weekend is again sponsored by Costain. Brian Greaves, Community Relations Manager for Costain, said: “We are really pleased to be once again supporting what will be a very special weekend in Pontypridd.

“We have been working with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council on the regeneration of Pontypridd and the two day line-up will certainly draw the crowds and help promote the many positive changes that have been made to the town.”

Details of Ponty’s Big Weekend Sunday bill will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ponty’s Big Weekend 2013 takes place at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, on July 20-21. For ticket information visit www.pontysbigweekend.co.uk