Blaenavon's Big Pit to host underground concert (From South Wales Argus)

Blaenavon's Big Pit to host underground concert

BIG Pit in Blaenavon will be holding a private memorial concert 300ft underground to remember fallen miners - with a piano being winched underground.

UNDERGROUND VENUE: Big Pit

The special concert will take place on September 13, two days before the first anniversary of the Gleision Colliery tragedy.

Several dignitaries and special guests including the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones and Torfaen mayor Wayne Tomlinson will be attending the concert.

An upright piano will be placed in the 'cage' to make its way into the mine.

Daniel and Laura Curtis who are considered as one of the foremost ambassadors for the preservation of the music of Ivor Novello and The Great American Songbook will be performing.

TRIBUTE: Daniel and Laura Curtis, who will sing in Big Pit

Welsh writer and actor Boyd Clack will also be writing a new poem to mark the event as well as joining Daniel and Laura in song.

Daniel Curtis said: "I have wanted to do a concert at Big Pit for a long time. I contacted the museum with my fingers crossed that they wouldn't think I was crazy. "My great grandfather died in Senghenydd Colliery and I really wanted to hold a concert to pay tribute to pay my respects and raise awareness for those who have died in mines.

"Singing was an important part of mining history with many miners being members of their local Male Voice Choir. The number of people who lost their lives through the years is one the biggest tragedies running through the history of Wales and Britain.

"Keeper and mine manager Peter Walker added: "We have had many weird and wonderful events underground, and we look forward to sharing the excitement of this unusual concert."The piano has been donated by Pianos Cymru, an award winning piano dealership in North West Wales.