Written by one of the UK’s best known poets, Ian McMillan. Music from the fantastic Hugh Nankivell.

This world premiere of a new song-cycle for brass band, choir and soloists looks back at the moment in 1985 when the miners of south Yorkshire returned to work after a full year on strike. McMillan's words portray the changing landscape and the families struggling to stay together. Nankivell's music combines beautiful melodies and haunting arrangements.

The music is proceded by a rare showing of a 40-minute long film Songs of the Coalfields from 1957, in which traditional ballads from mining communities are performed by the great English folk singer, Ewan MacColl.

Commissioned by the DARE partnership between Opera North and the University of Leeds, to mark the 25th anniversary of the end of the Miners’ Strike in 1985.

Box Office: 0844 848 2727