‘What’s On’ in Blaenau Gwent?
This is the place to find out all you need to know about ‘What’s On’ , heritage-wise. This includes our free monthly talks, our spring and autumn trips and our annual Heritage Day. We also advertise upcoming events relating to the rich heritage of this area organised by others.
This May is National Walking Month and everyone is encouraged to try to walk for 20 minutes each day throughout the month. This is also a fantastic opportunity to combine healthy exercise together with exploring the significant and fascinating heritage sites around Blaenau Gwent. The wide ranges of walks below, varying in length and difficulty, have been suggested by Blaenau Gwent CBC. More walks will be added below as the month progresses.
Visit these facebook pages to find out more: (The links don’t work on the images above)
This talk will be about the construction of the first leg of the canal by Thomas Dadford Junior from Gilwern northwards to Brecon. David Viner will focus on why and how the canal was built and its role in the industrial development of South Wales during the 19th century. David Morgan will bring things up to date with details about its current usage under the ownership of the Canal & River Trust
Bedwellty House and Park, Tredegar – NP22 3XN
2.00pm – 3.00pm
WELSH CAFE AND BAKERY AWARDS – 2026 Winner: Best Cafe Food
DETAILS OF HOW TO SIGN UP TO THIS TRIP ARE COMING SOON
Click on the images below to enlarge them and see. their accreditation.
This trip will involve some walking
The lost hamlet of Pwll Du was situated on the northern slopes of Mynydd-y-Garn-Fawr between Brynmawr and Blaenavon.
A survey of the area was undertaken in 2000 by Rodger Burchell and his findings have been detailed in our latest journal. On this companion trip he will lead us around the site explaining his findings to help us understand where, and how, people lived on top of this bleak mountainside with few modern amenities considered so essential today. We will also be able to see the entrance to Pwll Du tunnel which was the longest horse-powered tramway tunnel to be built in Britain. We will finish the visit with a nice pub lunch.
We would like to thank Mrs Ann Jones for granting access to the land encompassing Pwll Du for the purpose of this trip.
VENUE: Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute
BUFFET LUNCH: Included in the ticket price
10.00am – 4.00pm
Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute – Video presentation
Bedwellty House, Tredegar – Talk: Bec Howarth
Castell Taliorum, Llanhilleth – Talk: Graham Eyre-Morgan
PLATINUM BUFFET LUNCH
St Illtyds Church – Video presentation
Blaenavon, World Heritage Site – Talk: Dr. Peter Wakelin
Copperopolis, Swansea – Talk: Richard Lewis
Open the links below to find out more …
We are excited and proud to announce that we have chosen Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute as the venue for our Heritage Day on Saturday 17th October.
2026 marks the 120th anniversary since the completion of this building. Construction began in 1904 and was finished in 1906 at a cost of approximately £7,000. It was built to serve the educational, recreational and health needs of the miners and their families and the Institute offered a variety of amenities, including a library, reading room, main hall, and even a swimming pool.
It was sensitively restored in the early 2,000s during which time many original features were uncovered, and refurbished. This process not only reinstated this building’s original distinctiveness, but modern improvements were also integrated sympathetically.
As it has done since its inception, Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute still serves as a vibrant hub for the community today. Although rooted in the past it has moved with the times and continues to adapt to the changing needs of the community it serves.
This magnificent building embodies the forward-thinking imagination and ambition of those miners in the early part of the 1900s and creates a fitting symbol of the mining heritage of Llanhilleth, of which the community is justifiably proud.
I0:00 – 16:00
After the success of their February Saturday opening, Ebbw Vale Works Museum will be opening again from 10:00 -16:00 on Saturday 14th March. This will afford another opportunity for those who work during the week to visit the Museum at the weekend. The Museum Volunteers look forward to welcoming you.
Abertillery is taking part in the ‘Wales in Bloom’ competition again this year. The town is building on the outstanding success of its impressive debut last year, where it won a Silver Gilt and finished as runner-up in the Town Category. The campaign is driven by the ‘Abertillery Aspirations Group’ in collaboration with the ‘Abertillery and Llanhilleth Community Council’.
The 2026 launch event and community planting days have already taken place, but if you want to get involved it isn’t too late and you can still take part by reaching out to –
The Wales Ambassador Scheme is a set of FREE ONLINE COURSES that will introduce you to different areas and attractions in Wales. You can increase your knowledge of Wales and help others to get the most out of their visit. Would you like to become an Blaenau Gwent Tourism Ambassador? You don’t have to be working in the tourism industry to do this interesting course.
Complete 3 modules to become a BRONZE Blaenau Gwent Ambassador
Complete 6 modules to become a SILVER Blaenau Gwent Ambassador
Complete 9+ modules to become a GOLD Blaenau Gwent Ambassador