Blackwood Miners’ Institute is to celebrate its 20th anniversary as a theatre and arts venue next month.
Built and paid for out of the Miners’ wages at 3d a week, Blackwood Miners’ Institute originally opened as a single storey snooker hall in 1925.
Following the pit closures in the 1970s and 1980s the building fell into disrepair, but opened as an arts and entertainment venue on February 17, 1992.
Caerphilly County Borough Council are currently investing £750,000 in a refurbishment programme, and the building has recently undergone a facelift including brand new seats, full internal decoration, a brand new roof and restoration to the front façade.
To mark the anniversary and to celebrate the refurbishment, a week of events is planned
The celebrations kick off on Tuesday February 14, with Phil Dando and his five-piece band, who will perform at a very special afternoon-tea dance between 2pm and 4pm.
Big bands and dances have been an important feature in the building since it was originally built as a miners’ welfare hall, and many long-lasting relationships were started by dances at the ‘Stute.
Phil Dando will also perform at 7.30pm for a special Valentine’s Day dance with his larger 15-piece big band.
On Wednesday February 15 there will be a special Open Day, with free creative workshops for everyone to enjoy. Workshops include crafts, break dancing, creative writing, watercolours, zumba and architectural history. A full schedule is available at www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com
On Thursday February 16 to celebrate the importance of family events at the ‘Stute, there will be a family-friendly circus show with a difference. Featuring the most unlikely of performers including an acrobatic potato sack, a daredevil ski glove and a dancing milk straw. Suitcase Circus is on at 1.30pm, lasts an hour, and is suitable for ages four and over.
On the anniversary itself, Friday February 17, there will be a special Anniversary Gala, featuring special guests. These are due to be announced later this week.
And to finish the week with a bang, the UK’s number one live Motown show, The Magic of Motown is set to play on Saturday February 18.
Further information and tickets for events are available from Blackwood Miners’ Institute’s Box Office on 01495 227206 or online at www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com.