IT'S FULL steam ahead as the area gets set to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee over this extended holiday weekend.

At 11am the unveiling of specially commissioned Diamond Jubilee mural takes place in St John's Lane and this will be followed at midday by grand parade that will weave its way through town centre.

The community is encouraged to be part of the parade by wearing fancy dress and those taking to the streets with a jubilee theme could be in for a prize.

During the afternoon there will be an array of entertainment in the Brewery Yard, from live music to dance displays and a variety of competitions.

The fun continues on Sunday with a jubilee themed Steam Rally in Bailey Park, an event which is also being staged on the Monday. Steam engines from miles around congregate in Bailey Park to make a great day out.

At around 10pm the lighting of Jubilee Beacon will take place on the Blorenge, an event that will be preceded by the firing of six maroons, an event that will be carried out on high visibility sites across the UK.

Blaenavon Town Council is also hosting a beacon lighting event at the slightly earlier time of 9pm, on Keeper's Road, above Ball's Pond. Shortly afterwards the Queen herself will be lighting a beacon in London to symbolise unity across the nation

On Tuesday, June 5 it's the Community Festival and Fun Day in Abergavenny that will be staged in Bailey Park from 11am.

Among the attractions are Love Zimbabwe Dancing and Drumming, horseriding demonstrations, displays by Abergavenny gymnasts, Mayzmusic dancing routines, Community First circus skills.

There will also be a number of community stalls with local clubs and associations taking the opportunity to promote themselves.

At 3pm there will be a music workshop with the Phoenix singers and the more confident singers will be asked to join them on stage to sing with the choir.

Throughout the Jubilee weekend Blaenavon's Heritage Railway will be running from Saturday June 2 to Tuesday June 5. All weekend trains will be serving both Big Pit and Blaenavon.

And to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee on June 5, a street party will take place in the tearooms at Furnace Sidings.

In Crickhowell Sedan chair races will be the highlight of the community street party on Sunday June 3.While on Monday, June 4 there will be a picnic in Crickhowell's Jubilee Park for young families and on Tuesday June 5 there will be a High Tea in Crickhowell High School for pensioners which will include a screening of the Queen's 1950s coronation.