Communities along the Brecon Canal are preparing to come together this December to mark 225 years since the canal’s first historic cargo journey.

The Canal & River Trust is organising a series of festive evening events, featuring lantern processions and illuminated displays that will recreate the route of the first barge carrying coal from Gilwern to Brecon, which arrived at Brecon Basin on Christmas Eve 1800.

Over five consecutive nights, the towpath will come alive as residents and visitors walk alongside life-size illuminated sculptures of a horse, a swan, and an otter. Participants are invited to bring their own lanterns, torches, or decorated boats to help light the way, or simply enjoy the spectacle along the canal. Each community procession will begin at 6:30pm and last approximately an hour.

The celebrations will travel through Gilwern on December 8, Llangattock on December 9, Llangynidr on December 10, Talybont on December 11, and conclude at Brecon Basin on December 12, where residents from the previous communities are also invited to join in the festivities. The events aim to highlight the rich heritage of Gilwern, Llangattock, Llangynidr, Talybont, Pencelli, and Brecon, and to commemorate the journey of the first cargo along the Brecon Canal more than two centuries ago.

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, affectionately known as the Mon & Brec, began as two separate waterways - the Monmouthshire Canal and the Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal. Although the two were joined in 1812 at Pontymoile, this year’s anniversary marks 225 years since the completion of the northern Brecon Canal and the first coal cargo reaching Brecon.

The Canal & River Trust encourages everyone to take part in the processions, enjoy the illuminated displays, or simply stroll along the towpath to experience the canal at night. Additional community activities and details will be announced in the coming weeks.