A month of activities to mark the anniversary of the Chartist uprising in Newport, South Wales, begins this week with a lecture at Merthyr Tydfil library followed by a guided walk and coach tour, plays and other events.

Thousands of men from across south Wales marched on Newport on 4 November 1839, but more than 20 died and the rising's leaders were exiled to Tasmania as workers in other industrial centres failed to follow their lead.

A full listing of events appears below. For further information or questions about any of these events, please contact the event organizers, HERIAN, on 01685 723968

Wednesday 15 October - 1st Chartist Lecture
Talk by Prof Angela V John, at Merthyr Tydfil Town Library starting at 7pm. “Deference in Dowlais? Lady Charlotte Guest and the Chartists.”
Free entry – phone for more details 01685 377883

Friday 24 October - “Firestarter” presented by Big State Theatre
This irreverent comedy romps through the life of William Price, a well known Chartist who went on to promote cremation (amongst other things).
Takes place at Canolfan Rhys Arts Centre, Penrhys at 7.30pm. Tickets £5/£3 concessions. Phone 01443 755008 for more information

Saturday 1 November - Chartist Convention
09.30am start at Newport Museum and Library
10.30am guided “chartist walk” to the Westgate Hotel
11.30am – 4.30pm continues at St Mary's Church, Stow Hill.

Explore the Chartist stories – Programme includes:
"Chartist Trials" documents and artefacts on display; a guided walk; talks by leading chartist historian Prof Owen Ashton and by people who have discovered Chartist ancestors; films about the Chartists – old and new.
Entrance is free, but as last year's event was a sell out please book, tel 01633 414859 (Rosalin). Lunch is available (bread and soup).

Sunday 2 Nov - Chartist Coach Tour
Knowledgeable guides will take us around sites in south east Wales connected with the Chartist Movement – such as Blaenavon, Bedwellty House and Blackwood.
Departs St Woolos Cathedral 9.30am. Returns 5.30pm.
Tickets £7 per person. Contact HERIAN to book 01685 723968.

Monday 3 November - Songs of Praise
At Salem Chapel, Blaina - Local Council of Churches Presents Songs of Praise. Commencing at 7pm.

Tuesday 4 November - Chartist remembrance
A group of children from Newport will retrace the steps of the Chartists down Stow Hill to the Westgate Hotel 1.30pm.
At 6pm - annual commemoration at the Chartist memorial stone in the churchyard of St Woolos Cathedral, Newport.

Tuesday 4 November - Peter Karrie in Concert
At Salem Chapel, Blaina, the s tar of Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables performs, supported by Ebbw Vale Male Choir. Commencing at 7pm, tickets £4.50 from Nantyglo and Blaina Town Council 01495 292817.

Thursday 6 November - Trial & Transportation
The pupils of Ystruth School, Blaina present “Trial and Transportation” about the Chartist leaders at Salem Chapel, Blaina. Starts at 3pm. Free.

Friday 7 November - Annual Chartist Meal
The traditional Chartist Meal will be accompanied by a performance from Val Williams, Story Teller and Actress, entitled “The Chartist Wife” .
The audience is encouraged to wear period dress circa 1840 and to join the fun at Nantyglo Rugby Club. Commences 7.30pm. Admission £5.00. Tickets available from Nantyglo and Blaina Town Council Tel 01495 292817.

Wednesday 12 November - Discovering your Chartist Ancestors
Colin Gibson – from Gwent County Records will give an insight into recent discoveries about family connections with Chartist Ancestors at Blaina Library at 2pm. Free.

For further information or questions about any of these events, please contact the event organizers, HERIAN, on 01685 723968

Read more about the Chartist rising in Newport in 1839