Celebrating the 600th Anniversary of The Old Stone Bridge, Bridgend
To mark the 600th anniversary of Bridgend’s iconic Old Stone Bridge, Bridgend Town Council is planning a series of activities, including an art competition, commemorative planting scheme, a history & heritage exhibition at Carnegie House and a day of entertainment in Bridgend Town Centre on Saturday 13th September 2025.
The Old Stone Bridge is an historic landmark that has been an integral part of Bridgend since its construction circa 1425. It played a crucial role in connecting the town by allowing people and small carts to cross the River Ogmore.
The original bridge had five arches but a flood in August 1775 destroyed the two western arches. These were replaced by a single, wider arch. The easternmost arch was absorbed in the surrounding buildings of number 12 and 14 Dunraven Place and today only two arches are visible.
The present name of the town is derived from the name ‘Bryggen Eynde’ and is mentioned in a document dated 1447 – soon after the first bridge was erected. The name has evolved over many years to its present-day version ‘Bridgend’ and its Welsh equivalent ‘Penybont ar Ogwr’.
Today, the bridge stands as a Scheduled Monument and a Grade II Listed structure*, continuing to serve as a vital connection to the town centre.
This year marks the 600th anniversary of the construction of the bridge and to celebrate this important milestone, Bridgend Town Council would like to engage local schools in a creative exploration of history and heritage.
Community Art Competition Details
Categories
We are calling on artists, photographers, sculptors, and writers of all ages to create artwork inspired by the Old Stone Bridge in one of the following categories:
| Artistic Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Drawing and Painting | Create realistic or imaginative depictions of the bridge using any medium, from sketches, paintings to digital art. |
| Photography | Capture the beauty of the bridge in different lights and angles, or creatively edit images to showcase its historical significance. |
| Sculpture and Modelling | Create 3D representations of the bridge using clay, cardboard, recycled materials, or any other medium. |
| Creative Writing | Write stories, poems, or historical reflections inspired by the Old Stone Bridge, imagining its past, present, or future. |
Ages
The competition is open to all ages and abilities with the following categories:
Selected works will be displayed in a special exhibition at Carnegie House, with winners announced by the Mayor during a community event on Saturday 13th September 2025.
Prizes
We encourage participation from people of all ages and abilities to foster inclusivity, creativity, and a connection to local heritage.
How to Participate:
Entries should be submitted digitally or delivered to the Town Council by 5th September 2025.
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Let’s come together as a community and honour this historic milestone through art and creativity.
