Manic Street Preachers to pen song for Senghenydd mining disaster memorial

Front man James Dean Bradfield is also creating a soundtrack for a new collaborative song with writer Patrick Jones that will culminate in a performance named ‘Each for all, All for Each’ by the Striking Attitudes Dance Company in the streets of Senghenydd.

The Blackwood group have given funding to support a day of activities on Monday, October 14, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Senghenydd Colliery Disaster. The explosion at the Universal Colliery on October 14, 1913, saw 440 miners lose their lives, and is recognised as the UK’s worst mining disaster.

The event will see the memorial unveiled on the Universal Colliery site, erected in memory of those who lost their lives in mining disasters around Wales.

Bassist Nicky Wire said: “Having grown up in mining communities, we know only too well the devastating impact that mining disasters have had in towns and villages across Wales over the years. It is so important that those who lost their lives in mining tragedies are remembered, and the plans for the Wales National Mining Memorial are a fitting tribute to victims of mining disasters across the country. We are only too happy to support this worthy cause.”

Jack Humphreys, chairman of the Aber Valley Heritage group organising the Senghenydd Memorial Event, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that the Manic Street Preachers have chosen to support our activities marking the 100th anniversary of the mining disaster in Senghenydd. They may be international rock stars, but home is evidently where the heart is for these local boys. The funds the group have provided will be used to provide materials for children to make lanterns as part of a procession through the village to the evening memorial service. It’s generous donations like this that are enabling us to provide a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in Wales’ mining disasters.”