The event brings together local people to travel in the evening with light provided by lanterns to recreate the journey of the first barge of coal from Gilwern to Brecon, which arrived on Christmas Eve 1800.
It will celebrate the communities of Gilwern, Llangattock, Llangynidr, Talybont/Pencelli and Brecon and the journey of the first cargo along the canal, 225 years on since that first journey.
A life size horse on the towpath, and swan on the water, will pass through each community on consecutive evenings with communities celebrating the anniversary.
- December 8th – Gilwern
- December 9th – Llangattock
- December 10th – Llangynidr
- December 11th – Talybont
- December 12th – Brecon
The timings and details for each event can be found below.
Gilwern (December 8, 6.30pm)
The horse and swan will leave from on the towpath at Gilwern at bridge 103. (what3words: shredder.nutrients.manicured)
Llangattock (December 9, 6.30pm)
The horse and swan will leave from on the towpath near bridge 115 opposite the Llangattock limekilns. (what3words: patting.many.swooned)
Llangynidr (December 10, 6.30pm)
The horse and swan will leave from on the towpath near bridge 133 near the Coach & Horses pub. (what3words: boxer.baseless.recorder)
Talybont (December 11, 6.30pm)
The horse and swan will leave on the towpath from near bridge 143 behind the White Hart pub (LD3 7JD). (what3words: wicket.available.scar)
There will be car parking available at The Cattle Market, Station Road as of 5pm for this event organised by Talybont Community Council.
Brecon (December 12, 6.30pm)
The horse and swan will leave from the towpath adjacent to the Brecon Sports Association car park. (what3words: probably.hunter.cashiers)
What to bring
This is an outdoor event and we recommend you bring appropriate clothing and footwear for walking along the towpath. We also advise bringing a torch.
Getting there
As this is a local community event, we strongly recommend people walk to the start point.
There is no official parking for these events except for Talybont with details available above.
Book on the canoe experience
We have teamed up with Argoed Lwyd to offer the unique experience of being part of the event in an illuminated canoe.
There is limited availability to book a canoe for each evening. If you'd like to book on this experience please visit online.
Lantern making
If you would like the opportunity to make a lantern for the event, please visit online to book.
Severe weather
In the event of severe weather arrangements have been made for the event to continue taking place at an indoor alternative venue with the opportunity to see the lantern animals. Issues with severe weather will be communicated and the below venues will host the event indoors at 6.30pm-8pm.
Gilwern Bowls Club
Llangattock Community Centre
Coach & Horses, Llangynidr
Henderson Hall, Talybont
