This year’s festival has something for everyone. Get to know the local heritage with our two walks of 7 or more miles, a local walk suitable for families, and a Blaenavon town walk. Further information at visitblaenavon.co.uk.
Velothon Wales 22nd May
Once again Blaenavon will be welcoming the Velothon Wales event with 18,000 riders expected to take part. It takes place on Sunday 22 May 2016 and riders will enter Torfaen in Blaenavon. A number of road closures will be involved . The routes into the borough from Monmouthshire and Caerphilly, the main road between Blaenavon and Pontypool, and associated side roads, will be closed from 7.45am until 5.45pm. For details visit www.torfaen.gov.uk/velothon
Arts & Crafts over Whitsun at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Join us during Whitsun week for some fun activities at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre. There will be Arts and Crafts, storytelling and a spot of creepy crawly bug hunting for the budding Nature detective! For more info please contact 01495 742333 or www.visitblaenavon.co.uk
World War 1 Returns to Blaenavon Ironworks 28th & 29th May
This 2 day event features weaponry displays and military life demonstrations from Great War actors, working blacksmiths, lathe turners, spook makers and other crafts people demonstrating their skills, traditional Edwardian Fairground stalls for children, facepainting ( 28th only) and the Pashy Pops & music of the Great War (28th only). The Gwent In The Great War mobile exhibition will also be on site showing the part South Wales played in the Great War. Free entry for all 10am – 4pm. Click here for the website
Blaenavon Heritage Railway in May
On the 1st and 2nd May we hope to recreate the 60’s when steam and diesel ran together for a while. During the month the railway will operate every Saturday and Sunday (including Velothon day) from 11.00 with the last train being 15.45.
On the 29th, 30th, 31st May Big Ted will be waiting to greet as many Teddies as possible. Every child will receive a small picnic to share with their Teddy. There will be two trains running throughout the day. http://pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk/#/home
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Get out and about for half term and explore the Coity Tip with a week full of activities for children of all ages from 30 May–3 June, 12pm-4pm. Small charge may apply for some activities. Booking is essential: 029 2057 3650.
Blaenavon World Heritage Day 2016
Visit Blaenavon Heritage Town on Saturday 25 June from 11am – 4pm for a fun packed day of family entertainment. Throughout the day enjoy a traditional Victorian fun fair, dancers, live music, various craft stalls and the shops in town, and a craft fayre and children’s activities at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre.
As always the highlight of the day will be the Heritage Costume Parade which starts at 1.00pm from the top of Broad Street and proceeds through the town. The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Blaenavon Then and Now’ so modern day costumes are encouraged as well as more traditional clothes.
For more information please contact the World Heritage Centre on 01495 742333 or www.visitblaenavon.co.uk
News
Tackle the Tumble with the Tumble Challenge
The Tumble is an iconic 6km cycling climb surrounded by glorious valley views and takes you to the heart of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. Here's your chance to try and be the king or queen of the Tumble with our Tumble challenge, find out more here.
World Heritage: UK continues to make its mark
World Heritage: UK set up in 2015 to undertake networking, advocacy and promotion of the UK’s 29 outstanding World Heritage Sites (including the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape) is already making its mark in the sector with a conference, a networking meeting and a technical workshop delivered in its first year. It has also recently published its first newsletter - and plenty more initiatives are being planned. Visit https://worldheritageuk.org/ for further information
