Port Talbot's Passion sparked major tourism boost to local economy
PORT Talbot trade has been given a major boost thanks to The Passion play.
Thousands of visitors flocked to the town for Michael Sheen's spectacular open theatre play over the Easter weekend.
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Michael Sheen
Aberavon MP Hywel Francis has hailed the event "a success of global significance" and has also praised the Hollywood actor and those involved with the play in Parliament.
Aberafan Shopping Centre manager Steve Redmore said the event was "phenomenal."
He said: "I have never experienced anything like that all the time I have been working at the shopping centre, which is around 19 years.
"For Saturday our footfall figure was worth £44,575. Normally on a Saturday the figure's usually £24,000 to £25,000.
"It has definitely put Port Talbot on the map and you have got to give Michael Sheen credit for that.
"I was talking to people from Sheffield, from London and someone was talking to someone from America. We were blown away by it all."
Bar Gallois owner Tony Evans said: "Michael Sheen has done Port Talbot proud. I think all the businesses that were en route benefited tremendously."
Neath Port Talbot mayor Lella James said: "The Passion was tremendous and it has been fantastic for the businesses in the town.
"I have never seen so many people in the town before.
"I think for the traders it has been a great success."
Yesterday, Dr Francis said: "I am today tabling an Early Day Motion in Parliament congratulating Michael Sheen and the people of Port Talbot on the outstanding success of The Passion play. Those of us privileged to be present were moved by the quality and the scale of the event.
"I believe it signals a reawakening of confidence in the future of the town."
5 Comments
by dailaghin, swansea
Thursday, April 28 2011, 9:10AM
“there should be a fifty foot statue of the man erected on baglan mountain! well done mr. sheen.”
by J, Swansea
Wednesday, April 27 2011, 12:35PM
“I think this was a great event and I only wish I had had the opportunity to see some of it. Michael Sheen has done some great things locally. Well done on this and to the authorities for allowing it. Lets hope this is the first of many events.”
by J, Swansea
Wednesday, April 27 2011, 12:34PM
“I think this was a fantastic event and I so wish I had had the opportunity to see some of it. Well done Michael Sheen and the authorities for allowing it. Lets hope this is the first of many events.”
by Lorna, Port Talbot
Wednesday, April 27 2011, 12:33PM
“Firstly I would love to thank Michael for thinking about his home town of Port Talbot. He's given this town back it's life with a bit of luck. We even more proud of you now than before Mike. I would also like a big thank you to those people included in the whole production team as they were polite and helpful. But I think one of my biggest thank you's has to go to all the people of Port Talbot for welcoming such a big production and all the visitors we've had over the past week (and for probably sitting on the young yobs and keeping them out of sight!!). Visitors I spoke with all said what a friendly town this is and I can't argue with them as I've lived here all of my life (over 4 decades). Well done to all, I'm proud to be from Port Talbot.”
by Cllr.Tony Wyn-Jones, Neath
Wednesday, April 27 2011, 11:25AM
“This just goes to prove how right NPT CBC was to give Michael Sheen the freedom of Neath and Port Talbot I was unable to make it to the event but everybody I have spoken to say's it was fantastic well done to every body concerned”