EXPLORE your family history with the help of experts at a Torfaen heritage fair next month.

The Blaenavon Family History Fayre, taking place at the Blaenavon Workmens Hall, will showcase a wealth of activities, talks and exhibitions aimed at exploring Blaenavon's rich history.

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000 in recognition of the area’s exceptional significance to the Industrial Revolution, and the assets that remain from that time.

On Saturday, April 22, locals and anyone interested in the area’s history will have a chance to see how families – including, perhaps, their own – can link us with that iconic chapter in Blaenavon's history.

Sessions include expert help in tracing genealogy, meet and greet sessions with local history groups and the chance to access Gwent Archives.

Presentations include the ‘The World We Have Lost: The Value of Family and Community History’ at 1pm — an exploration of how history and heritage are vital to a community’s understanding of itself.

At 2pm visitors can meet former Consultant and Lead Researcher on the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are, Nick Barratt, who will give a presentation on ‘Family History in the 21st Century’.

The free event runs between 11am and 4pm and teas, coffees and light refreshments will be available.

The Blaenavon Community Heritage Museum will also host displays and artefacts of relating to Blaenavon’s rich history, will be open free of charge on the day.

The Family History Fayre is funded by the Welsh Government through Visit Wales’ Regional Tourism Engagement Fund and is led by Torfaen County Borough Council on behalf of the Blaenavon Marketing Partnership.

Booking is essential for talks as seating is limited. For more information ring Blaenavon Tourist Information Centre, 01495 742333, or email Blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk.

Alternatively, visit: www.visitblaenavon.co.uk or email Catrin Rogers at catrin@thecornershoppr.com.