Area: Merthyr Tydfil

The Category Merthyr Tydfil is a subset of South Wales.

‘The Festival takes place during the anniversary of one of the very first organised uprisings by workers in 1831 known as the Merthyr Rising. The Merthyr Rising of 1831 was the violent climax to many years of simmering unrest among the large working class population of Merthyr Tydfil where it is believed that for the first time the red flag of revolution was flown as a symbol of workers' revolt. Today we annually celebrate this symbolic event through a cultural festival of music, arts, political discussion and ideas during the anniversary of the events of 1831.’ Held Late May.

'The Choir can trace its roots back to the late 1800s and continued until the 1950s ... The present Choir was re-formed in 1965 by 13 men keen to see a revival of choral music in Dowlais, and that number rose to 120, reflecting the enthusiasm of the early days. Today the number of choristers registered is 60 ... We are very keen to recruit new choristers and give them the opportunity to experience the pleasure of singing in some wonderful venues with first class performers.'

'The choir was formed from members of the coal tip removal committee who were disbanding and were looking for another project to occupy the time taken during that period. They decided to form a choir, who would perform for charity, to give thanks to everybody who had contributed to the disaster fund that had been set up during the time of the Aberfan tragedy. The Choir at present has about 40 members and still travel to all parts of the country, and abroad, giving concerts to any charitable cause.'