The Aberavon Wizards have once again drawn on the star power of Michael Sheen to ensure the Christmas lights are up in Port Talbot this year. 

In a spin on ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ (or ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, as it’s more commonly known), the Hollywood star name drops everywhere from Baglan to Taibach in his retelling of the classic poem.

The county of Neath Port Talbot this week recorded the highest Covid case rate in the country, and such circumstances have made a town gathering to see the turning on of the lights an impossibility. Instead, the Wizards sought to do the next best thing: a virtual switch-on with one of the film and television industry’s most versatile actors.

Chris Davies, the Premiership rugby club’s commercial and marketing manager, praised Sheen’s ongoing commitment to the area: “Michael is fantastic in the local community. He does so much for the area and he’s passionate about rugby, and Aberavon rugby club in general.

“He helped us with fundraising last year, which meant we had enough money this year to have the lights once again. He was more than happy to get involved in switching on the lights virtually, which we thought was a nice touch.”

The poem rewrite was done by Katie John, daughter of Aberavon chairman Andrew (who himself is a key part of the club’s community-driven values). After Sheen’s star turn this year, the Wizards will now regroup and begin their fundraising efforts once again for next Christmas. When all is said and done, between the lights and the town’s tree, the cost runs to around £10,000.

“It’s just good to have a bit of festive cheer during these desperate times,” says Davies. “Everything we can do for this community, we will do, and that includes making sure the lights are turned on come Christmas.”