Wales’ very own Classical Brit Award winners Only Men Aloud have confirmed they will be helping the ‘Stute celebrate its 20th anniversary by performing at the 20th Anniversary Gala later this month!The popular choir, who came to fame after winning BBC’s Last Choir Standing in 2008, will be the star performers at the Anniversary Gala, which takes place on Friday 17th February at 7.30pm. Having been crowned winners of Last Choir Standing, Only Men Aloud released their debut album which went gold in the UK. Their second album ‘Band of Brothers’ went straight to the top of the classical charts and won the Classical Brit Award. 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 1970’s and 1980’s the building fell into disrepair but was reopened as an arts and entertainment venue on 17th February 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. Cllr Phil Bevan, Cabinet Member for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning said, “The ‘Stute is very much a beacon for first class live music, theatre, arts and other community facilities in Caerphilly county borough, and I greatly look forward to this celebration of 20 very successful years of professional theatre at the venue”. He continued, “The £750,000 improvement works will also help ensure that the much loved ‘Stute is fit for purpose for generations to come”. 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 cost £18 – but there are only a limited number available, so don’t delay buying yours!! Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 7th February, available from Blackwood Miners’ Institute’s Box Office on 01495 227 206 or online at www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com |
| Blackwood Miners’ Institute web site: www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com |
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Tuesday, February 7, 2012 |
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