Latest News
Fish Spawning - Lake Closed 13 Jun 2022
Please note that the lake is now closed for all Angling until further notice due to fish spawning.
Regular Bailiff checks will be made to ensure compliance, and there is a large sign going up on the entrance.
We cannot predict how long this is going to be, but the clubs stretches of canal remain open for members to fish.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Fish Spawning - 6 May 2022
Following this months meeting, please be advised that when the fish start to spawn on the lake, we will be closing it for fishing.
Fish welfare is of paramount, and during this highly stressful time we do not want to add to it by having anglers trying to hook them.
The decision when to close will be made by the Bailiffs based on their observations when doing patrols.
We obviously cannot know when this is likely to happen, or how long for but letting you know in advance so members are pre warned it is going to happen.
Whilst the lake is closed, members are still welcome to fish the clubs stretches of Canal at Glanusk and Pontypool.
Thank you for your understanding
Online Memberships Now Live! - 03 May 2022
After some issues with Paypal, we can now confirm that the online application process is back operational
Please go to the "How to Join" Page for more details.
Match Fixtures 2022
Match fixtures for the 2022 season are now on the Match Page
Club Update - 6th March 2021
Due to the ongoing Covid situation, we were unable to hold a public AGM this year as gatherings are not permitted.
However, the officers and committee have met online so the business of the club resumes as normal with as little impact as possible.
As a result of that, all bar one officer positions will remain unchanged for the coming season, until we are able to hold a formal general meeting where positions can be voted on.
Chris Ewers, stepped down as Chairman through the winter and as a result the role needed to be filled.
It was proposed that Anthony Greenland be placed as Interim Chairman, until formal voting can be done. This was approved by the committee. So the officers and Committee for the coming season are as follows:
Interim Chairman - Anthony Greenland
Secretary - Iain Swanson
Vice Chair - Rob Wrigglesworth
Treasurer - Larry Salter
Match Secretaries - Hugh Scott / Grant Morris
General Committee - Gareth Meek, Mike Adams, Kristian Day, Paul Burford, Tim Smith, Chris Ewers
Coaches - Anthony Greenland, Iain Swanson, Mike Adams
Membership Fees 2021 / 2022
Membership Fees for the coming season will be frozen at £25 full, £15 over 65's, £10 Under 16s.
No Day Tickets - Members Only
This seasons memberships will be on sale very shortly now the formalities of the season are confirmed.
Rule Amends
There will be some slight amendments to the lake rules for the coming season, these are being brought in for fish welfare and bio security reasons.
1. No Braided Mainlines
2. No Fixed Leads (must be free running)
3. No Lead Core or ready spliced leaders
4. Keepnets to be used in matches only.
In addition, we will be installing a net dip in close proximity to the cafe and ask all anglers to dip the landing nets before fishing.
Please note, if there are any queries with the amendments, please contact the club via email on festival-angling@outlook.com or speak to an officer in person.
We won't be drawn into any debates on the clubs social media pages, and if there are any such comments they will be removed.
Please use the correct channels to contact the club at all times.
Thank you all for your continued co operation and support, we are looking forward to hopefully a great summer of fishing ahead.
19th July 2020
Please note that the online applications for memberships is now closed as we are nearing capacity
29th June 2020 - Mon and Brec Canal
We are delighted to confirm that the club have secured the lease of another prime stretch of the mon and brec canal, this time at Pontypool.
Probably the worst kept secret in history, but there was a slight delay in releasing the news due to the covid lockdown slowing down the process of contract finalisation.
since we have worked on the Lets Fish campaign with the canal and river trust, and after discussions with them, we can now confirm that the fishing between bridges 48 at Pontymoil Basis up to 53 , just past the open hearth pub is officially under Festival Anglings control.
This is a great stretch of canal that is stocked with quality Bream, Tench, Perch, Roach and even a few Pike.
Your current membership will of course cover you to fish this, and we'd encourage you to pop down and give it a try.
Canals are great fishing, and it offers a different skills and watercraft to stilwaters so its a great place to learn some new techniques.
This section of canal is seldom used by boats and seeing some will be rare!
In time it will be used for coaching events such as the lets fish days, and the clubs match secretaries will also be looking to schedule in some competitions.
Details of which will be posted when confirmed.
19th June 2020
We are pleased to advise that the re introduction of Angling on Festival Lake will commence on Monday 23rd June at 9am.
Anyone wishing to fish must be a member of Festival Angling Club, no day tickets will be issued until further notice and the following guidelines must be adhered too:
The Welsh Government impose a 5 mile travel restriction, you must live within 5 miles of NP23 8WR to be able to fish.
Fishing is only permitted between 9am – 8pm, no kit is to be placed on pegs until each angler wishing to fish has checked into the café him/herself, and confirmed the peg they want to fish. (Family members are abled to do this for any wheelchair or disabled anglers)
Once confirmed with Festival Angling Club staff, you will be able to take your kit to your chosen peg.
To control how many we can safely allow on the lake, there is no exception to this, all anglers must comply.
The car parks will be locked at 8pm so anglers must be away from the lake by that time.
Strict social distancing must be adhered to at all times.
One angler per peg (unless a junior member is being accompanied by a household member)
No Keepnets to be used until further notice.
No Night Fishing
No spectators or gatherings, only anglers at the water side
No sharing of fishing tackle.
No Alcohol or illegal substances on site
Do not fish or come to site if you have any symptom’s of Covid-19 or are following guidelines on isolation.
Maintain a distance of 15m of other anglers when fishing.
Please note that due to recent developments at Festival Park, unfortunately the toilets in the bottom car park are closed for the foreseeable future.
As a polite reminder, the pegs in the bottom carpark are wheel chair priority.
These guidelines are effective immediately and will run daily, this will be reviewed in two weeks time based on the Welsh Government’s next review on travel and on how busy the lake is.
Procedure on renewal of memberships: Memberships can be done online or at the cafe.
There will be a strict social distancing in place if done on site, to save any excess contact if you are renewing from last year. Please have last season’s membership card /number to hand so we can use last years application forms for your details.
No one is to take gear to the pegs until membership is proven.
If paying by cash, please have correct money ready and in an envelope with your name, phone number and last years membership number written on it.
Prices are : £25 Full Membership, £15 Concessions, £10 Under 16s.
12th June 2020
New Website launched!