Remembering Gresford
On Sunday 22nd September 2024, 90 years will have passed since the fateful disaster at the Gresford Colliery, one of the worst mining disasters in British history. The disaster holds a resonance and significance to this day, not just for the people of Wrexham, but for former mining communities across Wales and the UK.​
NEW Sinfonia is collaborating with Wrexham Miners Project, Wrexham AFC and various organisations and artists across Wrexham to orchestrate a week of remembrance events, marking the 90th anniversary of the Gresford mining disaster.
The Remembering Gresford commemoration aims to bring this emotional story to life, fostering conversation, unity, and helping individuals from all parts of our community connect the Gresford narrative with their own contemporary experiences.
Schedule of Events
Art Exhibition: 2-30 Sept​
Historical Exhibition​: ​16-22 Sept​
​​​​​​​​Dove Installation​: 16-22 Sept​
​​​​​​​​Youth Education Series​: 19-22 Sept​
Gresford: Up From Underground: 20*, 21, 22 Sept​
Community Concert:​ ​20 Sept​
Candle Lighting Vigil:​ 21 Sept
An Evening at Tŷ Pawb:​ 21 Sept
Services of Remembrance:​ 22 Sept
* Schools Only
Featured
SERVICES OF REMEMBRANCE
Gresford Colliery Memorial
Bluebell Lane, Pandy
​​
All Saints Church, Gresford
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It is 90 years since the disaster that shook Wrexham and surrounding villages to their very core. The Dennis Section of Gresford Colliery was engulfed by fire when a massive explosion ripped through the mine. 266 men and boys died as a result of the disaster.
An Annual Service of Remembrance has taken place on the 22nd September at 11am to commemorate those who died. Tradition has it that no-one receives an invitation to this service. As on the 60th, 70th, and 80th anniversaries, a service will take place at All Saints Church, Gresford.
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All are most welcome to attend.
Friends of the Gresford Colliery Disaster Memorial
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GRESFORD: UP FROM UNDERGROUND
​ *Schools Only​
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St Giles Church, Wrexham
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​ ​
​​St Asaph, Cathedral, St Asaph
​​​
NEW Sinfonia’s most ambitious project yet – a brand new community opera with music by Jon Guy and libretto by Grahame Davies, based on the story of the Gresford Mining Disaster and highlighting Wrexham’s strong sense of community both past and present. Also featuring a brand new work from Evrah Rose.
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NEW Voices, our all-inclusive community vocal ensemble will make up our fantastic Gresford Opera Chorus. Our dedicated singers have been preparing throughout the summer under the guidance of Robert Guy, Ruth Evans, and Jenny Pearson
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​Our youth music programme, NEW Academi, delivered in partnership with every North Wales Music Service, will allow young musicians to play in our opera performances alongside our professional NEW Sinfonia musicians
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YOUTH EDUCATION SERIES
Thurs 19th Sept - Thurs 17th Oct
10:00am-4:00pm (Closed Sundays​)
​​
TÅ· Pawb, Wrexham
Wrexham University Civic Mission Team is working with local primary schools across Wrexham to deliver a workshop on the Gresford Colliery Disaster, to support the engagement of young people with local history. Pupils will learn about the disaster, the lives lost, and the impact on the wider Wrexham community. They will then produce a piece of artwork based on the disaster, using materials such as charcoal and copies of newspapers from the time, which will then be displayed in an exhibition in Ty Pawb on the dates above.
Free Entry
Remembrances
SERVICES OF REMEMBRANCE
Sun 22nd Sept
​
Gresford Colliery Memorial
Bluebell Lane, Pandy
​
All Saints Church, Gresford
​​
It is 90 years since the disaster that shook Wrexham and surrounding villages to their very core. The Dennis Section of Gresford Colliery was engulfed by fire when a massive explosion ripped through the mine. 266 men and boys died as a result of the disaster.
An Annual Service of Remembrance has taken place on the 22nd September at 11am to commemorate those who died. Tradition has it that no-one receives an invitation to this service. As on the 60th, 70th, and 80th anniversaries, a service will take place at All Saints Church, Gresford.
​​​
All are most welcome to attend.
​
Friends of the Gresford Colliery Disaster Memorial
​
CANDLE LIGHTING VIGIL
Sat 21st Sept
​​
Miners Rescue Project
3 Maesgwyn Rd, Wrexham
​
At 6pm on the 21st September 1934 the miners of Gresford descended into the pit to begin their fateful shift underground. To mark the anniversary the Wrexham Miners Centre will light 266 candles, each shaped like a Davy Lamp, in memory of each life lost.
All our welcome to come, reflect and commemorate this this moment. At 2:08am on the 22nd each candle will be extinguished.
Free Entry
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DOVE INSTALLATION
Mon 16th Sept - Sun 23rd Sept
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St Giles’ Church, Wrexham
​​
Situated in the heart of Wrexham City Centre, St Giles’ Church has long been a focal point for worship, sanctuary and remembrance for the people of Wrexham.
To commemorate the lives of those who tragically lost their lives in the Gresford Disaster, the church will create 266 flying doves, imprinted with the names of each mine worker, and dramatically cascade them down the inside of the church tower.
Free Entry​​
Performances
COMMUNITY CONCERT
Fri 20th Sept
St Giles Church, Wrexham
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A Concert filled with local musical stars to raise funds to support the renovation of the Miners Rescue Centre. ‘Help save a building built to save lives’.
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Performers:
The Fron Male Voice Choir
Llay Welfare Brass Band
Clywedog Steel Pans
City of Wrexham Brass Band
​
GRESFORD: UP FROM UNDERGROUND
* Schools Only
​​
St Giles Church, Wrexham
​​
​ ​
​​St Asaph, Cathedral, St Asaph
​
NEW Sinfonia’s most ambitious project yet – a brand new community opera with music by Jon Guy and libretto by Grahame Davies, based on the story of the Gresford Mining Disaster and highlighting Wrexham’s strong sense of community both past and present. Also featuring a brand new work from Evrah Rose. Joined by the community choir NEW Voices and NEW Academi youth orchestra.
.
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An Evening at TÅ· Pawb
Sat 21st Sept
Doors at 7:00pm
TÅ· Pawb
An evening of live music featuring bands from mining communities from Wrexham and Durham at TÅ· Pawb, Wrexham’s award winning, cultural community resource.
Exhibitions
ART EXHIBITION
Mon 2nd Sept - Mon 30th Sept
10:00am-4:00pm (Closed Wed & Sun)
​
The Drawing Board
17 Lord Street, Wrexham
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The Drawing Board is a unique and independent gallery in Wrexham. They display a diverse array of art and crafts by local artists.
​​
Drop in to explore a specially created exhibition of artwork to commemorate the Gresford Disaster and to discover their other regular workshops and events.​
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Free Entry
HISTORICAL EXHBITION
Mon 16th Sept - Sat 21st Sept
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Miners Rescue Project
3 Maesgwyn Rd, Wrexham
​​
​Learn about the first hand experiences of those affected by the Gresford Mining Disaster and its lasting legacy today. Come along to the Miners Rescue Project to explore this special 90th anniversary historical exhibition.
The Miners Rescue Project has been working hard to save ‘The Rescue’ building since 2019, bringing 40% of it back to use. It now exists as a vital resource for the local community.
​
Free Entry
YOUTH EDUCATION SERIES
Thurs 19th - Sun 22nd Sept
10:00am-4:00pm
​
TÅ· Pawb, Wrexham
Wrexham University Civic Mission Team is working with local primary schools across Wrexham to deliver a workshop on the Gresford Colliery Disaster, to support the engagement of young people with local history. Pupils will learn about the disaster, the lives lost, and the impact on the wider Wrexham community. They will then produce a piece of artwork based on the disaster, using materials such as charcoal and copies of newspapers from the time, which will then be displayed in an exhibition in Ty Pawb on the dates above.
Free Entry
Funders
Affiliates​
Sponsors​
PHILIP CARNE - General
HADLOW EDWARDS - Opera
WREXHAM UNIVERSITY - Schools
VIOVLYN - NEW Voices
HIGGI - NEW Academi
Partners
