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Blaenau Ffestiniog is a small town in Gwynedd, north-west Wales.

Located in the mountains of Snowdonia, the town was once a major centre of the slate mining industry. This industry declined during the early 20th century. The town's economy is now largely dependent on tourism.

picture: View of the TryFan Snowdonia

Although the town is in the centre of the Snowdonia National Park, the boundaries of the Park are specifically arranged to omit the town with its substantial slate waste heaps from the Park.

The hills around Blaenau Ffestiniog form the watershed between the River Conwy flowing to the north and the River Dwyryd flowing to the west.

Tourism
Blaenau Ffestiniog boasts several major tourist attractions, including the Ffestiniog Railway, and also the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, a former slate mine open to visitors. Llechwedd is regularly listed as one of Wales' top 5 visitor attractions.

Music
Blaenau Ffestiniog has strong roots and tradition with music from the Quarrying boom days with the Caban, Male voice choirs and brass bands, to the Jazz / Dance bands like ‘The New Majestics’ to the popular-rock bands of the 80-90’s such as Llwybr Llaethog and Anweledig, to most recent bands such as Gai Toms, Frizbee and Gwybdaith Yr Hen Fran. Further to this local Alternative Music training Company 'Gwallgofiaid' now has 12 + bands under its umbrella based at their Center 'Cell' at the Old Police Station in Park Square. The Centre has 5 rehersal rooms, a 24 track studio and Cwrt performance space.