A special Open Doors Sunday has celebrated 120 years of history at Llanhilleth Miners Institute, bringing together music, heritage, crafts and memories from across the community.

The anniversary event gave visitors the opportunity to explore the historic building, take part in guided tours and discover more about its place in the community over the past 120 years.

Visitors could also step back into the industrial history of the area through an exhibition presented by Llanhilleth Heritage Society, focusing on Llanhilleth Colliery and the important role the pit played in shaping the community.

A heritage virtual tour offered another way to explore the Institute’s history. Visitors were guided through the decades by the building’s friendly ghost, who brought its story to life and introduced some of the people, events and changes that have helped shape Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute over the years.

Music was a major part of the celebrations, with performances from Markham and District Brass Band and the Abertillery Orpheus Male and Ladies Choirs, providing a fitting soundtrack to the occasion.

Younger visitors were able to discover more about the area’s industrial heritage through hands-on arts and crafts activities. Paper, toilet rolls and lollipop sticks were transformed into mining-inspired creations, including pit ponies, miners’ helmets and Davy lamps, while face painting added to the family atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the day was hearing visitors share their own memories of Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute and its role in community life across the generations.

Stories and recollections from different periods of the Institute’s history demonstrated the special place it continues to hold in the hearts of local people. Each memory adds another thread to the rich tapestry of the building’s 120-year story.

The Open Doors event provided an opportunity for visitors to celebrate the past while seeing how Llanhilleth Miners Institute continues to serve the community today - ensuring that its story is not simply remembered but continues to evolve for future generations.