RESIDENTS in Blaenavon celebrated the town's World Heritage Status on Saturday with an afternoon of festivities.

On the hottest day of the year so far, about 4,000 people lined the streets of the town to celebrate the town's history.

Cllr Gareth Davies, chairman of the World Heritage Day committee, said: "It was a fantastic day. The music was fantastic and it was a really chilled atmosphere.

"The feedback that we received said that people appreciated the community feel about it.

"We have a great community spirit here in Blaenavon, we always have, and Saturday was a great example of that.

"We have already had people ask about joining the committee to help organise next year's event.

"After the news that Torfaen council were withdrawing their support for the event, there were some people in the community who were concerned that it wouldn't continue.

"Everyone involved has worked so hard for it to continue and I was really impressed with how it went.

"Next year will be our 20th year as a World Heritage Site, so we are hoping to go even bigger and better."

The highlight of the afternoon was the parade down Broad Street.

"The parade was bigger, if not better than previous years," said Cllr Davies. "There was a lot of colour and height to it with the puppets made in schools with the help of local artist Nathan Sheen."

Mayor of Blaenavon Cllr Jac Denley Jones said: “This was the first time the day was organised solely by Blaenavon people and the Town Council is very pleased with and proud of the fantastic response to it.

“Thousands of people turned up to enjoy the event in amazing weather, which definitely helped boost the sales of local hostelries, supermarkets and ice cream vendors!

“The Council supported the festival to the tune of £10,000 and we’re confident it was investment that residents were happy for us to make. I have seen and heard nothing but positive comments about the day. Well done to the team that organised it.

“We look forward to next year’s special celebration of the 20th anniversary of World Heritage status.”

The Blaenavon World Heritage Day committee are meet at the Town Council chambers on High Street on Tuesday, July 9 at 6.15pm to begin organising next year's event. New members are welcome to attend.