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We are inviting people to connect, get creative and enjoy culture with a programme of activities around Thursday 1 October 2026.
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International Day of Older People takes place annually on 1 October, recognising the opportunities and challenges of ageing populations and promoting communities that work for people of all ages.
The UK theme for 2026 is “What’s on your doorstep?”, encouraging people to discover local opportunities and celebrate work that helps communities become more age-friendly.
Awen’s programme runs from Tuesday 29 September to Wednesday 7 October, bringing together film, live music, crafts, digital support and welcoming social activities at libraries, cultural venues and Bryngarw Country Park.
Date | Venue | Event | Time | Info |
29th September | Maesteg Town Hall | 7pm | Two greedy children, an aging, combative art legend, and a highly skilled art forger. What could possibly go wrong? Sir Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel square off in The Christophers, a brilliantly sharp and weaponized dark comedy from director Steven Soderbergh. Witness a masterclass in manipulation, vanity, and creative warfare. | |
29th September | Aberkenfig Library | Digital Drop In | 2.30pm | Attend Aberkenfig Library to receive digital support with your devices. |
29th September | Porthcawl Library | Craft and a Chat | 10.30am | Bring your own craft. |
30th September | Maesteg Town Hall | 1pm | In the darkest days of WWI, one village found the courage to sing. Ralph Fiennes stars in The Choral, a hilarious and deeply moving British drama written by Alan Bennett. | |
1st October | Bryngarw Country Park Cafe | Chatty Cafe | 2pm – 3pm | Bryngarw Country Park are a part of The Chatty Cafe Scheme UK and host a Chatter & Natter table in our cafe every Thursday from 2pm to 3pm. The Chatty Café Scheme is the UK’s leading non-profit social enterprise dedicated to tackling loneliness and social isolation. Chatter & Natter tables create friendly spaces where people can come together for a chat. |
1st October | Bridgend Library | Knit and Knatter | 12pm | A chance to meet you new people with a free cuppa while having a good natter over your knitting needles. |
2nd October
| Maesteg Town Hall | Free Music Friday: Glen & Dave | 10am | Alto saxophonist Glen Manby performs straight ahead modern acoustic jazz, influenced by greats such as Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt and Cannonball Adderley, He has performed across the UK as well as New York Germany and Switzerland. |
2nd October | Pyle Library | Jigsaw Club | 11am | A free hot cuppa and a jigsaw, an opportunity to meet other people while doing a wholesome activity. |
3rd October | Maesteg Town Hall | 7.30pm | Legendary 70s Tyneside folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne present a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home and a reputation for live performance second to none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanize festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet and singing along. | |
7th October | Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall | Midweek Melodies: Helen Rita Jones | 12.30pm | Renowned South Wales jazz singer Helen Rita Jones lends her gorgeous vocals and sensitive interpretation to the great American songbook. This is a free event, and there’s no need to book – just turn up and enjoy. |
