The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority in partnership with Glandwr Cymru, has launched an exciting new series of short animated videos that reveal the historic story of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal that will encourage people to visit historic landmarks.
The “Down to the Sea” project was part funded by Welsh Government as part of Visit Wales’ ‘Year of the Sea’. It was officially launched on Monday 23rd April at Theatr Brycheiniog by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport where the four animations, produced by Brickwall, were shown.
The animations focus on four tram roads and artistically demonstrate the reasons why the canal was originally built and how visitors and locals alike can now visit attractions such as the lime kilns or Blaenavon ironworks. The videos will be made available online along with a downloadable map for each route – www.breconbeacons.org/downtothesea.
The walking routes are suitable for families and allow children to positively engage with the industrial past. As we now enter the main tourism season, the animated videos and walks will provide a boost to the local tourism industry and further diversifies the tourism product on offer within the region.
Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport said;
“Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is a wonderful historic attraction, used and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The “Down to the Sea” animations really bring the past back to life and will inspire people to take a walk and learn more about the history of the area. It’s great to be here at the launch and to see the animation first hand as we continue to celebrate our’ ‘Year of the Sea’”.
Mel Doel, Chairman of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority added;
“The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority understands the importance of our Canal networks and how popular they are amongst our local communities and visitors. These short films are really special and I am sure will be enjoyed by everyone who sees them. Our work within the National Park is closely linked with the Well-being of Future Generations Act and these animations and walks will I am sure encourage people to become active and get out into the outdoors and enjoy the wonderful landscapes we have.”
David Morgan, Glandŵr Cymru Development and Engagement Manager said;
“The canal is over 200-years old and has played a hugely important role in the nation’s industrial history, and the history of the communities it runs though. It continues to thrive as place for nature and leisure. The pace of life slows and relaxes when you’re by the water, and we hope the videos are a way of encouraging even more people to visit the canal and find out everything it has to offer.”
This project has been part funded though Visit Wales’ Regional Tourism Engagement Fund. The fund aims to promote and develop distinctive, high quality visitor destinations and to maximise the benefits from aligning with our product-led thematic years and the Wales Way.
– ENDS –