Maesteg is situated in Bridgend county, South Wales. The river Llynfi runs through the town before meeting the rivers Ogmore and Garw at Aberkenfig, 6.4 miles south east of Maesteg. The village was once a prime coal mining area, but since the last pit closed in 1985, Maesteg now serves as a dormitory town for the Port Talbot steel works.

An ancient market town, Maesteg in the Llynfi Valley, is now a bustling shopping experience with a daily market and a regular scenic rail connection to the main line at Bridgend.

Music is important in the village, with many bands from rock to male voice choir hailing from Maesteg. The largest choir is Cor Meibion Maesteg, with over 50 members, whilst there are two female voice choirs, Harmony Ladies Choir and Llynfi Valley Ladies Choir. Children are not left out either: the Curtain Up Youth Theatre hosts many musicals, and the Maesteg Children's Choir puts on several concerts throughout the year.

Radio station 106.3 Bridge FM is also based in Maesteg, and is one of the most popular radio stations in the Bridgend County Borough.