At 11am on Sunday, September 22, the Annual Memorial ceremony for Wrexham’s greatest tragedy, Gresford Colliery disaster, takes place at Miner’s Wheel Memorial in Pandy.
This year is the 90 anniversary of the disaster which affected the whole of Wrexham with almost every village in the county borough losing someone.
To mark this significant anniversary of remembrance there are several events also taking place many of which are free to attend.
Art Exhibition:
Monday 2 September – Monday 30 September, 10.00am – 4.00pm (Closed Wednesdays and Sundays), The Drawing Board, 17 Lord Street, Wrexham
A specially created exhibition of artwork to commemorate the Gresford Disaster.
Free Entry
Historical Exhibition:
Monday 16 – Saturday 21 September 10.00am – 3.00pm, Miners Rescue Project, 3 Maesgwyn Road, Wrexham
You will 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.
Free entry
Dove Installation:
16 September -22 September, 10.00am – 4.00pm, St Giles Church, 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
Youth Education Series:
Thursday 19th – Saturday 22nd September 10:00am-4:00pm, Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham
Wrexham University Civic Mission Team has worked with local primary schools across Wrexham to deliver a workshop on the Gresford Colliery Disaster which supports the engagement of young people with local history. Pupils learnt about the disaster, the lives lost, and the impact on the wider Wrexham community.
They have produced a piece of artwork based on the disaster using materials such as charcoal and copies of newspapers from the time, which will be displayed in an exhibition in Tŷ Pawb on the dates above.
Free entry
Candle Lighting Vigil:
21 September, 6.00pm, Miners Rescue Project, 3 Maesgwyn Road, Wrexham
To mark the 90 anniversary the Wrexham Miners Centre will light 266 candles, each shaped like a Davy Lamp, in memory of each life lost.
All are welcome to attend, reflect and commemorate this this moment. At 2:08am on the 22 September each candle will be extinguished.
Free Entry
An Evening at Tŷ Pawb:
Saturday 21 September, 7.00pm, Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham
An evening of live music featuring bands from mining communities from Wrexham and Durham-based Brass band DENNIS who be performing at the food court for a family-friendly evening of music following the Wrexham v Crawley match.
Services of Remembrance:
Sunday 22 September at 11.00am, Gresford Colliery Memorial, Bluebell Lane, Pandy
Sunday 22 September at 5.00pm, All Saints Church, Gresford.
An Annual Service of Remembrance has taken place on the 22nd September at 11am to commemorate those who died. As on the 60th, 70th, and 80th anniversaries, a service will take place at All Saints Church, Gresford. All are most welcome to attend.
Ticket only events
Gresford: Up From Underground:
21 and 22 September, 8.00pm , St Giles Church, Wrexham
Experience the New Sinfonia’s 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.
Community Concert:
Friday 20 September, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, St Giles Church, Wrexham
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’.
Performances by:
- The Fron Male Voice Choir
- Llay Welfare Brass Band
- Clywedog Steel Pans
- City of Wrexham Brass Band Sept
The events have been brought together by New Sinfonia
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