THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to flock to Blaenavon this weekend as the town gears up for its annual World Heritage Day.

The event, which takes place tomorrow between 11am and 4pm, attracts thousands of visitors with a range of stalls, food and drink, farm animals, a funfair, and the annual Heritage Costume Parade.

This year, the parade will focus on the ‘Legends of Blaenavon’ celebrating those who have played a notable part in the town’s history such as inventor Sidney Gilchrist Thomas, school mistress Sarah Hopkins, rugby legend Ken Jones OBE and author Lewis Browning.

Children from Blaenavon Heritage School have been making costumes in preparation for the parade and worked with local artist Mark Lewis to create costumes that celebrate these local heroes.

Pupils from the same school will also star in a short film which will be shown on the big screen in the lead-up to the event.

It will be shown ahead of summer blockbusters at the Blaenavon Workman’s Hall Cinema and on screens in the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and Library.

Several other events will also happen take place across the town this week in the lead-up to the big day.

Blaenavon Community Museum will host family history sessions tomorrow on Thursday, June 22, between 10am and 1pm and children’s’ activities on Saturday, June 24 from 11am onwards.

Festivities will also continue during the Blaenavon Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 25 between 11am and 3pm with stalls, family entertainment, a dog show and more.

Blaenavon businesses will also be getting involved with Frets Music offering music skills sessions between 12pm noon and 3pm, Monday to until Saturday, this week.

Flowers By Stacey will offer flower arranging sessions tomorrow on Thursday at 11am and Friday at 2pm.

Craft store and post office, Artie Craftie, will offer painting session tomorrow on Thursday between 1.30pm and 3.30pm while a Blaenavon Mini Market will take place in Bethlehem Court tomorrow on Thursday between 1.30pm and 5pm.

In terms of food, the Lion Hotel and Restaurant in Broad Street will offer a Welsh cuisine taster evening on Friday, June 23 at 7pm.

This is priced at £26.95 per person and includes five courses.

Blaenafon Cheddar will host free cheese tasting during shop hours this week and will hold cheese wax dipping workshops on Saturday between 10am and 3pm.

Rhymney Brewery, in Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate, will also hold beer tasting sessions until Friday this week between 11.30am and 5.30pm.

To book a stall at the event, telephone 01495 742333.

For more information on Blaenavon World Heritage day and its events roster, visit: visit-blaenavon.co.uk