**M4 Motorists Braced for May Bank Holiday Congestion as Major Events Overlap in Margam**
Motorists travelling along the M4 near Margam over the bank holiday period are being urged to prepare for significant traffic disruption, as two of the region’s most prominent events are set to take place simultaneously. Locals and visitors alike are being warned that increased congestion is inevitable, with both the In It Together Festival and the Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr scheduled over the same weekend, potentially creating a bottleneck on one of South Wales’ busiest routes.
The In It Together Festival, now in its third year, has cemented itself as a staple in Wales’ music calendar. Staged at Margam in Port Talbot, the festival kicks off festivities with a special party for campers on Thursday, 22 May, before opening to the wider public the following day. The event spans four days, concluding on Sunday, 25 May. Campers, however, have until midday on Monday, 26 May, to vacate the grounds—precisely when the Eisteddfod yr Urdd begins.
This year, the Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr, Europe’s largest youth celebration of Welsh language and culture, is taking up residence at Margam Park—just off junction 38 of the M4. With gates swinging open at 7:15 am on Monday morning, a steady influx of families, competitors and supporters is expected. Organisers anticipate around 15,000 young people will descend on Port Talbot to compete in a range of arts, music and cultural events throughout the week, running until Saturday, 31 May.
Council officials are cautioning drivers to expect slow-moving traffic and possible delays, particularly on the Monday, as festival-goers exit the campsite while Eisteddfod attendees converge on the same area. The overlap is predicted to put considerable pressure on local roads and motorway access points, with high volumes of vehicles vying for the same stretches of tarmac.
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has released guidance suggesting motorists consult the official Eisteddfod travel information available online. Clear signage, including distinctive yellow markers, will direct visitors to the correct car parks. Event organisers and the council are emphasising the importance of following these directions and tuning in to local radio for up-to-the-minute traffic updates to help traffic flow more efficiently.
In a move to minimise congestion, festival and Eisteddfod attendees have also been reminded about public transport options. Port Talbot railway station offers a viable alternative, with a dedicated First Cymru bus service linking the station to Margam Park. Those considering this route can view up-to-date train schedules and bus timetables online.
Despite fears of major delays and gridlock, the local council has moved to reassure the public that, at present, no road closures are planned in connection with either event. Officials are hopeful that the set-up of the Eisteddfod within the grounds of Margam Park will ease pressure on the surrounding road network, although motorists are being encouraged to leave extra time for travel.
The Eisteddfod itself is urging those travelling from the west or east to use specific What3Words location codes shared on its website to facilitate accurate navigation. These small technological touches, the organisers hope, will help to direct large volumes of vehicles more seamlessly and prevent unnecessary diversions.
Ultimately, motorists and event-goers are being asked to plan ahead and exercise patience during what promises to be a vibrant, but exceptionally busy, bank holiday week for Margam and the M4 corridor. With a combination of proactive planning, alternative transport options and a bit of community spirit, organisers are hopeful that both events can be enjoyed with minimal disruption.