THE Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre will be hosting a celebration on Saturday, April 30 to mark its half century anniversary.

The centre, which first opened its doors to the public in 1966, will be holding an informal celebration at the building from noon.

Since opening, the arts centre has gone on to host an average of 18 art exhibitions each year and has taken part in exchange exhibitions with the United States, along with touring exhibitions around Europe.

According to Charles Fountain, marketing officer for the Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, the centre attracts 70,000 people a year, making it the second biggest attraction in Gwent, only to Big Pit.

On the day, there will be a chance to see their A to Z anniversary exhibition, titled Adams to Zobole, which features over 40 artists, including the British potter, Walter Keeler, and, as mentioned in the name of the exhibit, Ernest Zobole.

Charles Fountain said: “It’s a selection of some of the most influential artists we’ve had here over the last 50 years.”

“People should visit the exhibition because they’ll see some of the finest applied art in Wales.”

Along with the 50th anniversary ‘Adams to Zobole’ display, there will be three other exhibitions; a craft showcase from Vicky Lindo, a jewellery showcase from Leoma Drew and an exhibition of paintings from Jantien Powell.

There will also be a talk held at 1pm on the history of Llantarnam Grange, telling of its journey from a 12th century farmhouse, to its present guise as an arts centre.. Naturally with any anniversary celebration, there will be birthday cake to mark the occasion, made by the centres in house café.The free event takes place from 12pm until 2pm on Saturday, April 30 at the Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre.

‘Adams to Zobole’ opened on Saturday, March 26 and is on display at the arts centre until Saturday, May 14.