The Mitre, Abertillery, set to reopen as live music venue

The group,  from Abertillery, were dismayed at the continued closure of all the local music venues. 

Julian and Eleanor Blackmore, Lucy Edwards and Christian Johansen have formed a Community Interest Company and taken over a disused pub in the town.

The famous Mitre will soon be opening its doors again to reignite the live music scene in Abertillery. 

Lucy Edwards is one of the group planning to transform the Mitre into a live music venue (Image: Supplied) With the help of a band of likeminded brothers and volunteers The Mitre will soon be hosting bands and artists both local and from further afield. 

The group also plan to utilise the space for art and cultural activities (art and music classes), plus develop a hub for people who may be facing loneliness and isolation.

The venture is non-profit and will be applying for grant funding for the community activities. 

A GoFundMe page is active where people can make donations and this is providing the springboard to kickstart the project, and interested people can donate to this exciting project through the GoFundMe page that has been set up here: ‘Donate to help us bring live music and art to Abertillery’. 

Lucy Edwards said: "A lot of people don't realise that Abertillery, tucked away as it is in the Valleys, has a very active music and arts scene but it needs a dedicated and secure base to bring people together. 

“That is our ambition with the Mitre.  We are currently working hard to fit out the building and will be looking to holding a lively opening event toward the end of October so keep watching out.”

Details of the official opening event will be issued once finalised, but the group say they can guarantee a great evening of live music will be presented to celebrate the launch of Abertillery's newest and most ambitious venue.

The team that are looking to reopen the Mitre are well experienced in hosting live music events, as they organise the popular Slugfest, an annual three day music festival held at Abertillery Rugby Club. 

There is no fee to attend but people are asked if they could donate food for distribution to local foodbanks.  There are also donation buckets doing the rounds and raffles with all proceeds going to local charities, which vary from year to year. 

This year, for the first time, there will also be a Slugfest at Christmas on Saturday, December 28.