Posted on: Friday 27 March 2026
A free concert was held last week to mark Blaenavon's 25th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The event was attended by around 300 people and took place at the Blaenavon Workmen's Hall.
The concert included performances by Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, Blaenavon Town Band, Adhoc Theatre Company, the World Heritage Youth Ambassadors and school children from the Blaenavon World Heritage Primary school.
The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape became a World Heritage Site in December 2000 in recognition of its well-preserved 19th century iron-making and coal mining landscape which includes the town of Blaenavon.
Since then Blaenavon's UNESCO status has helped transform the area, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and more than £50 million investment.
UNESCO World Heritage status puts Blaenavon on the world stage alongside other breath-taking sites like the Galapagos Islands and the Taj Mahal.
The concert included memories from those instrumental in getting the area officially recognised and celebrated the impact it has had on the town during that time.
The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site includes Blaenavon Ironworks, Big Pit National Coal Museum and the wider industrial landscape.
In December, Blaenavon Town Council and Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School marked the 25th anniversary by creating a time capsule celebrating life in Blaenavon today.
For more information on Blaenavon's industrial history, head to the Visit Blaenavon website