In 2012 the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal celebrates the 200th anniversary of its opening and the joining of the Monmouthshire and Brecknock & Abergavenny Canals back in 1812. 

Located in South Wales within the Brecon Beacons National Park this landlocked canalwinds its way 49 miles from Brecon south to Cwmbran, the City of Newport and Cwmcarn passing through both scenic countryside and a World Heritage Site that recognises the areas important industrial past.

The canal is considered by many to be Britain’s most picturesque canal receiving over 3 million visits every year.  The Monmouthshire & Brecon is not only popular with boaters but with walkers, canoeists and is also a haven for wildlife. 

Through a series of activities and events, organisations, local community groups and national bodies will be celebrating the canal’s history, enjoying its beauty and looking forward to its development beyond 2012 as a cherished asset to the communities through which it passes and connects.

The celebrations will be launched on Friday 10^th February with the Ringing of the Bells, recreating the canals opening ceremony 200 years ago.  A single bell will be rung at 12 noon by Ben Herbert, the Great, Great, Great Grandson of Sir Benjamin Hall who gained unexpected immortality by giving the name of ‘Big Ben’ to the bell of the great clock installed in the tower of the Houses of Parliament in 1857. The Hall and Herbert families were industrialist throughout the canal industrial period owning Iron Foundries and Tramways. Over 20 Church's will be ringing their bells creating a rippling effect along the canal corridor from 12 noon to 7.00pm to mark this historic occasion.

In addition to already being a popular canal for local users and hire boaters the remainder of the year is packed with a range of activities including: