Please note all information was correct at time of eNewsletter release but check with all attractions before planning your visit as Government guidelines and opening times may change.
Events and Attractions
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre & Library
Hunt the Monsters Halloween Trail
Tuesday 27th – Saturday 31st October
11:00am – 4:00pm
Search the grounds for clues to solve the puzzle and collect a prize.
£1.00 per entry
Social distancing restrictions will apply so the number of entrants may need to
be limited at any one time.
Why not try some seasonal fayre in the Heritage Café?
A bowl of hot spiced pumpkin soup, a pumpkin latte, Halloween cupcakes and more…
Photography Exhibition
Tuesday 3rd – Friday 27th November
10:00am – 5:00pm
Well known professional photography, Walter Waygood, will be exhibiting his
photographs in the exhibition hall throughout November.
The family of Santa Claus is a 35 year documentary of this iconic image of
western culture. Initially captured in the arena of retail department store and
more recently placed in a broader environment as Santa Claus diversified with
placements in garden centre bases or working as a travelling nomad
supporting charitable organisations.
Due to a Welsh Government lockdown in the area we can confirm that Big Pit National Coal Museum will be closed from Tuesday 29 September until further notice. Keep an eye on our website and social media and we’ll let you know when we can reopen
It was with deep regret that The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway/Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway announced the cancellation of its 2020 Halloween Ghost Trains.
Over the last few weeks, they explored various options to run the event in a COVID-secure way. Although they tried to devise some innovative ways to scare people safely, sadly, as the coronavirus situation stands (especially with the local lockdown measures in place across South Wales), none of these are possible.
Santa Specials
The Santa Specials were scheduled to run on weekends throughout December
Sat 5th, Sun 6th, Sat 12th, Sun 13th, Sat 19th & Sun 20thand tickets would have to be pre-booked.
A decision as to the feasibility of running this event will be made soon so please keep an eye on the website and Facebook for any updates, or potential cancellations, https://www.bhrailway.co.uk
Blaenavon Ironworks
Tickets for Blaenavon Ironworks will not be available on the CADW website whilst the Torfaen area is in local lockdown.
The indoor areas of the Ironworks will be closed but local residents (residents from within Torfaen) will be allowed to enter the site for free.
Halloween Spooky Trail Sat 24th October – Sunday 1st November
11:00am - 4:00pm
Throughout the week there will be a children’s trail, with a chocolate prize, in the spookily themed cottages.
Standard entry prices and requirements apply.
As the COVID-19 situation is still ongoing please go to the website to keep up to date with any changes to events or opening times https://cadw.gov.wales
Blaenavon Workmen's Hall
Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall has been successful in gaining funding to cover a substantial amount of work to make the beloved building safe and upgrade some of the areas that badly need some renovation.
The work has already begun but will take some months, and the Board of the Hall has decided to keep the building closed to negate any health and safety risk to the public as it is carried out.
This work will continue until the end of the year and potentially into 2021.
BWHEG Volunteers
The regular monthly Sunday WETLANDS BIRD SURVEYS to record the different species around the Garn Lakes and surrounding area with a local birdwatcher will be on 18th October and 15th November.
Meet at 10:00am in the Garn Lakes top car park. (No dogs allowed at this event)
As the COVID-19 situation is still ongoing please keep up to date with any changes, or cancellations, on the Facebook page.
On Sunday 18th October there will be a dog walk starting at 10:00am at the walkers parking area at Big Pit. The walk will go around Coity Tip, returning to the cycle track before proceeding to the Garn Lakes passing the railway station.
Social distancing rules will need to be followed during the walk
The walk will be 2.5 miles (4Km).
Due to current lockdown restrictions only people from within Torfaen will be able to attend. If restrictions change before the 18th October then people from other boroughs may be able to attend.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/BlaenavonTC to keep up to date.
Reminder of Christmas events cancellation
In September Blaenavon Town Council issued the following statement on Facebook:
“The Council regrets to inform residents that we have sadly been forced to cancel both our planned Christmas Market and lights switch-on ceremony this year.
Due to the pandemic and rules in respect of limited crowd numbers in public spaces, we have taken the decision not to go ahead in the interests of public safety. There will still be lights, but no public switch-on.
Mayor Cllr Alan Jones said: “We were looking forward to hosting our second Christmas Market, which was going to be much bigger and more exciting than last year’s. And the lighting ceremony is always a popular event.
“However, as the Covid-19 restrictions have lasted longer than anyone could have anticipated, it’s inevitable that events on this scale are not going to be allowed. The town will still look festive, with the lights definitely being put up and on.
“We’re as disappointed as our residents will be, but hope that the situation improves enough in 2021 for us to plan to come back with a bang next Christmas.”
