For around 40 years The Valley Folk Club has been hosting folk music nights at various venues in and around Pontardawe. It is the longest running Folk Club in South Wales.

The Ivy Bush Hotel has been its base since 1984. Over the years, guest artists have included poets, theatre groups, magicians, storytellers, solo musicians, singers, and groups, from UK and the world.

Some already famous, some just starting out. For many the club was their first inroad into folk music in Wales.

Max Boyce was at one time to be found entertaining audiences there and a memorable night at The Moose Hall with world famous ragtime guitarist John James will be long remembered.

Many who attended the club have become performers themselves, guesting at clubs and festivals both at home and abroad.

The Valley Folk Club gained a huge reputation as a popular place for artists to play.

The club has promoted concerts bringing folk music to larger venues in the area and of course acted as the basis for the internationally renowned Pontardawe Music Festival which takes place once a year in August.

Welsh traditions including "Crwmpyn John" and "Hunting the Wren" have been researched and performed and at other times material written by club members themselves is given the stage.

It has been a stepping stone for some, a stage to show off their talent for many and has provided the inspiration for people who might otherwise have not taken up a musical instrument or dreamed of singing or writing.

For many it has also provided a social circle and the chance to see and listen to live performance.

Of course the club would not have survived so long without the volunteers who have worked to keep the doors open and the very loyal support of audiences who made the club such a success.