THE countdown has started for this year’s Cwmbran Big Event – TakeTwo.

The event will be held on September 22, after the original date in June was rained off.

Thousands of people flocked to Cwmbran Boating Lake and the surrounding areas for the 2011 Big Event, which was the first of its kind.

They were treated to sports demonstrations, competitions, live music, raft races and much more.

This year’s event promises to be just as popular as it aims to celebrate physical and cultural activities in Torfaen.

Most of the activities will be free and are designed to be fun for the whole family.

The event will include raft and paddle boat races on the boating lake, sporting competitions, craft and food stalls and a large stage for a variety of music and dance acts.

Chairman of the Cwmbran Regeneration Strategic Partnership, Cllr Bob Wellington, said: “Last year’s event was a huge success and a lot of people were disappointed when June’s event was postponed because of the unusually wet weather.

“Plans are in place for any bad weather so we are hoping this year’s event will be even bigger and better than the success of 2011 whatever the weather. Staff froma number of departments across Torfaen Council have pulled out all the stops to ensure this event will take place and I’m confident Torfaen residents will turn up in their thousands again for another excellent day.”

The council is also looking for help to run this year’s tugof- war competition. If you can help or would like to register a team for the event, call 07572 110477 or e-mail jamie.robins@torfaen.gov.uk