Classical Brit winners Only Men Aloud are to perform at Blackwood Miners’ Institute’s 20th Anniversary Gala later this month.
The Welsh choir, which shot to fame after winning BBC’s Last Choir Standing in 2008, will be the star performers at the Anniversary Gala on Friday February 17 at 7.30pm.
Only Men Aloud Music Director Tim Rhys Evans said: “We’re proud to be invited to mark the ‘Stute’s 20th anniversary and to help celebrate a milestone in the history of this cultural heritage centre. The boys are really excited at the prospect of playing to our fans in heart of the Valleys in what promises to be a great evening.”
The 20th Anniversary Gala is being held to celebrate 20 years since the ‘Stute was reopened as a professional theatre.
Built and paid for out of the Miners’ wages at 3d a week, Blackwood Miners’ Institute originally opened as a single story snooker hall in 1925. Following the pit closures in 1970s and 1980s the building fell into disrepair but was reopened as an arts and entertainment venue in 1992.
The building has recently undergone a £750,000 makeover thanks to funding from Caerphilly County Borough Council, including brand new seats, full internal decoration, a brand new roof and restoration to the front façade.
Supporting Only Men Aloud will be a selection of community and amateur performers closely associated with the ‘Stute.
The Anniversary Gala will be the finale of a weeklong series of celebrations, which include a tea dance, a big band night, and an open day full of free arts activities.
Tickets, costing £18, are available from Blackwood Miners’ Institute’s Box Office on 01495 227 206 or online at www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com