The Pop Factory

The Pop Factory (TPF) is a music and media complex in Porth, Rhondda, South Wales. It has given its name to a Welsh TV show.

It was founded by Emyr Afan and his wife Mair Afan.

The Pop Factory was a converted soft drinks factory, formerly belonging to the "Welsh Hills" brand (which later became "Corona"). The pop factory was situated in the Thomas and Evans building. Thomas and Evans, were both buried in the Rhondda, also owned Bronwydd House and Porth Park. It was officially opened by Tom Jones in 2000, by smashing a bottle of dandelion and burdock against its walls.

The weekly shows were broadcast by ITV Wales. The show had been presented by Steve Jones and liz Fuller. There was also a Welsh language show, Sesiwn Hwyr, broadcast by S4C.

In 2008 the show disappeared with no official reason given and no new series have been screened.

The Pop Factory was also the studio home of local musical entrepreneur Rob Reed of Magenta fame.

In 2011 the site was bought by Valley Kids and is used as an office, hub and live venue.

Every year, TPF hosted an award ceremony, which in 2005 was focused mainly on the Welsh music scene possibly due to the axing of The Welsh Music Awards. This did not happen in its entirety in 2006 but went back to its full Welsh format in 2007. The 2007 event was also launched in conjunction with XFM Wales.

...
Wikipedia