This winter, the towpaths of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) will be transformed into a ribbon of light as communities come together to celebrate 225 years of the Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal, affectionately known as the Brecon Canal.
In 1800, the first cargo of coal arrived in Brecon on Christmas Eve — a defining moment in the story of this remarkable waterway. Two centuries later, the Canal & River Trust and canal-side communities are marking the occasion with “Lighting Up the Canal”, a series of evening lantern processions that will bring warmth, light, and history to life along the towpath.
The Brecon Canal began near Gilwern in 1796. By 1797, it had reached Llangynidir, and by 1799, the impressive 375-yard Ashford Tunnel was completed, extending the canal to Talybont. The route culminated in the opening of Thomas Dadford’s four-arched aqueduct across the River Usk at Brynich, marking the canal’s full completion from Gilwern to Brecon in 1800.
Originally built to transport coal and iron, the canal is now one of Wales’ most cherished leisure waterways — a peaceful haven for walkers, cyclists, and wildlife lovers alike. In 2025, the Brecon Canal 225 celebrations will honour both its industrial heritage and the communities that continue to keep it alive.
Lighting Up the Canal – A Celebration in Motion
Throughout December, canal-side towns and villages will join the celebrations with a series of lantern-lit processions, retracing the route of that first coal barge from Gilwern to Brecon.
Each event will feature life-sized illuminated lanterns — a majestic horse, a gliding swan, and a playful otter — symbolising the wildlife and heritage connected to the canal.
The Llangattock procession will begin at 6:30pm on the towpath opposite the Llangattock Wharf Lime Kilns and end at Bridge 116 (above the Old Rectory Hotel). Afterwards, visitors can warm up at The Horseshoe Inn with hot food and mulled drinks — a perfect way to end the evening.
Everyone is welcome to join in. Bring a lantern or torch and help light the historic towpath — the more lights, the merrier.
Before the processions, you can create your own handmade lanterns to carry in the parade.
Workshops led by local artist Debbie Cobbett will take place at community hubs across the area, inviting families and friends to get creative together.
These free, family-friendly sessions will help participants design and build their own lanterns — ready to light up the canal during the December processions.
The Lighting Up the Canal events form part of a year-long programme of activities to celebrate Brecon Canal 225, created in partnership with local organisations and canal-side communities.
From heritage talks to creative workshops and outdoor events, the celebrations will highlight the canal’s enduring role in connecting people, places, and stories across Bannau Brycheiniog.
So wrap up warm, grab your lantern, and join the procession — a living, glowing tribute to 225 years of canal history.
