BLAENAVON Town Council have stepped in to save the town's World Heritage Day celebrations after Torfaen County Borough Council decided to withdraw funding for the event.

The town's World Heritage Day committee decided it could still run the festival as long as there was still volunteer support, meaning that for the first time in its almost 20-year history, Blaenavon World Heritage Day is being organised entirely by local residents.

The popular event attracted more than 5,000 people last year.

Blaenavon Town Council has met some of the funding shortfall by agreeing to a £10,000 grant towards staging the day, which organisers are confident can be managed comfortably within the smaller budget.

Cllr Gareth Davies, chairman of the World Heritage Day committee and Mayor of Blaenavon, said: “Of course we were a little anxious when Torfaen announced that due to their own funding cuts, they were withdrawing their support.

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“However, the response from residents has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to hosting a slightly smaller event this year. That experience will help us build towards staging something special for the 20th anniversary celebrations next year.

“We are indebted to the Town Council for their grant, without which we undoubtedly could not have gone ahead. The council realises that we mustn’t lose the opportunity to annually commemorate one of the most important occasions in Blaenavon’s recent history, and one which marks the most important part of Blaenavon’s history, full stop.”

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The 2018 Blaenavon World Heritage Day parade. christinsleyphotography.co.uk

The theme for the World Heritage Day parade on Saturday, June 29 is ‘People Who Help Us’, such as fire fighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, teachers and school crossing patrollers – and the committee is appealing to community groups and local people show their pride by dressing accordingly.

The parade is the centrepiece of a full day of activities featuring stalls, live music, dancing and a wealth of other attractions for all the family

“Most of the musicians and dancers are local,” said Cllr Davies. “Blaenavon Male Voice Choir is appearing, the live stage will be headlined by exciting new local band Full Dark No Stars, and there will be a taster of some of the dancers set to return for the Dance on the Mountain festival in July.”

For further information on taking part in the celebrations, please contact Cllr Davies on 07738 455534