POETS, project managers and local historians will be gathering in Blaenavon this weekend for a conference on the future of the town.

The Welsh World Heritage Experience, organised by the Institute of Welsh Affairs, brings experts together for a day of discussion.

Among the speakers on Saturday will be John Rodger, the Blaenavon Project director, Booktown supremo James Hanna, the mayors of Torfaen and Monmouth, and Dr Eurwyn Wiliam, the deputy director of the National Museums and Galleries of Wales.

The IWA organised a conference about the regeneration of Newport at the Celtic Manor in April.

Branch co-ordinator Clare Johnson said: "We are an all-Wales think tank and we realised last year that we didn't have enough presence in Gwent and the south-east.

"Blaenavon is an area that has been incredibly deprived since the closure of the mines, and we want to highlight the cultural regeneration of the area."

The day begins with a keynote address from Welsh historian Dr John Davies. Among events, John Rodger will talk about the regeneration of Blaenavon and Booktown founder James Hanna will lead a tour of the shops.

The afternoon will begin with a visit to the new buildings of Big Pit. The Booktown shops will stay open into the evening for wine, book-signings and browsing.

The Argus' Mike Buckingham will be Master of Ceremonies for the presentation of the Alexander Cordell Literature Prize in the evening.

For more information on the day's events call the IWA on 02920 666606.