One of Pembrokeshire’s most historic buildings will open its doors to the public for the first time today (Saturday), as part of a weekend of celebrations across the country.

On May 16 and 17, the proud history of the West Blockhouse in Dale will be on display, as part of a nationwide event to mark 50 years of the Landmark Trust.

Since May 1965 nearly 200 significant buildings, including 15 in Wales, have been rescued by the historic buildings charity, many of which could otherwise have been lost forever.

Among them is West Blockhouse which is a fortification completed in 1857 and was used until after the Second World War.

It had a single battery of six heavy guns commanding the entrance to the harbour with defensible barracks behind to give protection from attack on the landward side.

The highlight of the weekend will be a ‘golden moment’ at 3pm on Saturday, May 16, when local musicians will simultaneously perform a piece of music at all of the 25 open landmarks.

At West Blockhouse, Carmarthen Symphonic Wind Band will have the honour of performing the specially-commissioned piece entitled Lines Loops Bones and Stones: An Anthem For Landmark, created by award-winning composer Kerry Andrew.

Kasia Howard, engagement manager at the Landmark Trust said: “As well as landmarkers, we would love to see the local community during the Golden Weekend – people for whom the West Blockhouse is part of their local scene, and who perhaps knew the building before its restoration.”

West Blockhouse will be open to everybody from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17 and entry to the fortification is free.