AN OPERA marking the anniversary of the Gresford Colliery Disaster was performed in Wrexham over the weekend.
September 22 marked the 90th anniversary of the tragedy in which 266 men lost their lives.
As part of the events to mark 90 years since the disaster at the colliery, NEW Sinfonia performed their new opera 'Gresford – Up From Underground' at St. Giles Church on Saturday and Sunday.
The show premiered on the opening night of the North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday, September 12.
It has been written by musician and composer Jonathan Guy, conducted by his brother Robert, with the words by poet Grahame Davies. The work was commissioned by Royal composer Paul Mealor, from Connah’s Quay.
More than 500 men were working underground when an explosion ripped through the pit in the early hours of the morning on September 22, 1934.
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The number of workers on site was much larger than usual as many had doubled their shifts so they could watch a Wrexham football match later that day.
Only six of the colliers from the affected part of the mine climbed out through the choking smoke and dust, away from the raging underground fires that consumed their workmates.
Above are some of the best images from the performance, taken by photographer Rick Matthews.
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