A Tribute to the Aberfan Disaster: 50 Years On - by Wales' Hywel Girls' Choir & Hywel boy Singers

A Tribute to the Aberfan Disaster: 50 Years On
- by the young choristers of the Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers
The year 1966. Pupils at Pantglas Junior School in Aberfan were just beginning their first lessons of the day. It took only minutes for the coal tip above the village to slide down the mountain and engulf a farm, several houses and tragically the school. Only some children were able escape. 116 children were killed. Another 28 adults died. For that community, a generation was lost within seconds.
The young school children of Wales’ Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers tribute to the victims of the disaster and the courage of that community with music from our hearts and words from pupils and miners from that tragic day.
“And, in that silence you couldn’t hear a bird or a child.”
Narrator - Jeremy Hywel.
Conductor John Hywel Williams.
Pianist Huw Tregelles Williams.
Performed at Last Night of the Proms hosted by Hywel Choir and starring the British Sinfonietta.

[@andreawatson1846]

I was a nurse in casualty at the Cardiff Royal Infirmary that day, we prepared for casualties, but none came, the thoughts after all these years is heartbreaking.

[@grahamlucas2388]

God Bless you

[@erniewilliams2012]

God. Bless. Little. Children. Courage. Of. Helpers. Who. Tried. To. Help. Them. Remember. When. Accident. Happened. Was. Only. Young. But. Still. Rember. To. This. Day. Now. I'm. Old. God. Bless. Them. Can't. Stop. Crying. Please. Remember. Aberfan. Every. Body. Who's. Reading. This. Thank. You. God. Bless

[@maryhay2398]

​@@grahamlucas2388p Qq P❤😢😢❤

[@paulgoode5245]

😢😢😢😢😢😢 terrible god bless all those around my age who lost their lives that day😢😢😢😢

[@berlinmitte10117]

Whoever thought of the idea to reduce the number of singers, so that the last bit was unsung, captured the moment perfectly. What a gorgeous tribute.

[@banjoman44]

My thought exactly. What a wonderful tribute.

[@gloriapower4759]

I was 16, and serving in the fist year of my Lithography apprenticeship, in Newport, South Wales when the Aberfan disaster happened, and will never forget that day. It was late afternoon when one of the office staff came running into the printing plant/factory and told my foreman what had happened. Before too long, everyone in the factory knew, we were all shocked. Lots of the girls and older women there were sobbing, some of the older men too, all work stopped, in the office too. Going home on the Western Welsh bus that day to Cwmbran I silently prayed that everybody in that school would be saved. As more news became available on radio and tv that evening, we ( my family) realized the tragic truth of what had happened. I think we all grieved for days after, Now 55 years later, now living in Canada, I still remember, my memory a little faded though. This is the first time I have seen the tribute, and yes, my tears rolled down freely once again. God bless the souls of all who perished that day and also to the families and friends. Mike Power. London, Ontario. Canada.

[@lornaburgess9762]

I was 11years old when the Aberfan disaster happened, I came home from school and my Mam was breaking her heart, she told me what had happened, we watched the news reports on the tele,. Being from a pit village myself and my Dad working at the pit we had an affinity with the people of Wales and especially Aberfan. Lorna from Seghill in Northumberland.❤️

[@jacquelinefox4492]

It's hard to explain to kids. But we all came together. , and all those kids gave their pocket money. Bless. X

[@cunobelinusX31]

I don't know why I wasn't in school, but my brother turned up and got my dad and the next thing we were going to Wales, I was 10 years old and my brother was the fire chief in Cheltenham. We listened to the radio all the way, we got stopped outside Aberrvan, and told to go home, there was already too many people, I will never forget, it was my other brothers birthday, all three of us born the same week. I live in Ireland now, but once I bought my children to the memorial, it is so sad.

[@lidiaziolkowski3965]

Tragic! Memory eternal to all the victims!☦️❤️🌹🏵️

[@0ldw3lshm4n]

I was 5 at the time, 55 years on still deep in my memory, difficult to watch this.

[@welshwizard55]

I was living back home (Hengoed)then less than 10 miles from Aberfan, I was 11 years old and can remember the sadness in the valleys. How the people of that village managed to struggle on amazes me to this day. Bless you all.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I remember weeping at the time, and I'm weeping now.

[@heathermaryson3036]

I was 13 years old living in the East End of London when this disaster occurred. I remember this so well. I remember my mother crying in our kitchen and the black and white news reports of the time on the TV. Today I visited Aberfan to pay my respects to the innocent souls that perished on that dreadful day. I now live in Wales and am proud to do so. RIP.

[@richardlogan1021]

Too powerful to bear. As moving a memorial as I have ever seen, and I have seen too many. But the Welsh, in all their strength and beauty, endure.

[@Huineng10]

Heartbreaking. I remember standing in the kitchen, hearing the news coming over the radio. I wept then and, with the singing of these children, I weep again.

[@JohnWilson-hk3vo]

I was only eight when this happened, but I still remember the sights in the papers and on the TV. God Rest the little souls that perished on the cold October day.

[@davidmarkersnr.1888]

The tune of Myfanwy always stops me in my tracks, unable to speak or move, but this left me sobbing uncontrollably. As the last little girl left the stage I completed the last word 'ffarvel'. As a lorry driver I was in digs not far away from Aberfan that evening, with other drivers we watched the tv in horrified silence. I think a call was made for tipper lorries but none of us had suitable vehicles so were helpless.

[@Bruce-1956]

I was 10 at the time and learnt about it when I came home from the BBC. May the children and their teachers Rest In Peace.

[@trevorjones2997]

October 1966,my Mother crying started all us kids off too,we saw the news and couldn't believe so many children had been taken in such a short time.How can we ever forget.

[@charltondown1]

I was in a flat in Plymouth glued to the television SHOCKED as I was from Swansea Wales. So sad. Lovely singing from the heart.

[@staffy4389]

My mother in law was Welsh,,from a small village called HOOK.... She was my favourite mother in law,,,, in fact my only Mother in law...God bless Wales...

[@quietobserver8346]

We remember always.

[@jeanturner7444]

All my family were involved at some level with what happened at Aberfan. It really was a disaster which should never have happened. Those in charge knew the tip was moving and unstable. Unnecessary risks were taken and the community paid the price but that one event left scars on Wales and the mining communities everywhere. Please do not forget what happened in Aberfan. We need to remember the mistakes which were made so that we can avoid another Aberfan in the future. Bless all the children and their parents. Those who survived and those who didn’t. RIP little ones and do not be afraid of the dark for we will light your paths with prayers, just as your parents set lights on your graves as evening fell. In my thoughts and prayers always. X

[@ddavies1967]

Lovely words

[@annrenee3265]

We lived in Cardiff but we had gone to live in Lebanon with my fathers job. Our teacher was Welsh & she told us the news of the Aberfan disaster. So sad ~ it should never have happened. All those miners slaving away underground to build a great slag heap above the town.. Someone must have realised the risk! Shocking

[@JohnPanto]

I was on leave from the R.N. & my parents were living in a tiny slate mining village called Aberllefenni in south Gwynedd.The village was really only one street of about 10 homes and a P.O. at the end & a few houses about. The travelling library had called about 0930 & I went out to it. I was looking through some books while I heard this almighty screaming. I & the driver looked back to the source & there were all the mams from the street huddled together & the almighty noise coming from them was incredible. I shouted to my mam & what hell was on.That's when I learnt. I will carry it to my grave.

[@ddavies1967]

I can only imagine the wails of horror. Nicely told. Powerful words.

[@JohnPanto]

@@ddavies1967 Diolch.

[@welshwizard55]

I was recently in Aberfan end of July. My wife had heard about this disaster and always wanted to go there, so I took her, she was overcome with the emotion, after walking past the graves. I even talked to some people who had lost some of their relatives. My heart went out to them.

[@petrasant5495]

I was nineteen years old and there in Aberfan on that tragic day. May God Bless all those beautiful little flowers, who perished there,that sad day.

[@brianjones8095]

How.How sad.God bless you all.

[@archithlon]

They will never be forgotten 55 years after the tragedy. May the victims rest in peace. God bless all families in Aberfan. My deeply condolences from the bottom of my heart from Munich🇩🇪

[@kenlyneham4105]

This rendition of 'Myfanwy', has left me with tears streaming down my face, not only for horrific injustices brought on the Welsh people generally and the complete indifference by the British NCB towards the people of Aberfan, but also for my mother, whose maiden name was Myfanwy Roberts.

[@anneashley5110]

The British NCB had no compassion for the English miners either. Sad for all concerned. God bless Wales. From England xxxx

[@anneashley5110]

You posted something about British NCB being completely indifferent to people of Aberfan. But as an English girl back then, living near a mining village in Midlands of England, my memories are so different. I was 21 and my family and neighbours were horrified. We gathered collectively, mothers holding their faces and the men ashen faced and quiet. Many of them risked their own lives every day down the colliery and I know for certain we donated money for funerals and I don't know what else you can give a family who have lost their children in such an avoidable tragedy. Children cried in case their school was next. Men angry that it was foreseeable. I believe the Queen visited and I still remember those broadsheet newspapers full of terrible scenes, which truly touched everybody I knew. Both at work and at home. It was on everybody's lips for years. Aberfan. My generation hadn't quite seen tragedy like that before, being born as the war was ending. I don't know how much help reached you or if families were duly compensated by the NCB. But my dear friend, we certainly grieved with you and you seem not to know. But how can money ever compensate for a child going to school near the pit tips as we knew it, and in minutes being buried with their teachers. As a young teacher, it hit me hard. And I know how fond you grow of the little ones in your charge. Hearts were rended much further than these shores because the people were genuine then and showed their grief. If, after all these years, this comment let's you realise how loved you all were by at least us....the villagers and town people who were lost in your grief as well. Much love from one English soul here and I'm sure multiplied many thousands of times. The Welsh are dearly loved by us in general...we are family after all. ❤️❤️

[@kenlyneham4105]

@@anneashley5110 It is unfortunate, but you misconstrued my comment on a number of levels. Primarily, my comment was about the song, "Myfanwy" and how I have always loved it. Secondly, not just for that but it also reminded me of the Aberfan disaster brought about by the total indifference of the NBC. And third, the song reminds me of my mother, whose maiden name was Myfanwy Roberts. I never apportioned any blame on English people, THAT belongs 100% to the NBC led by Alfred Robens, Baron Robens of Woldingham, Surrey. Under his leadership, the Welsh people of Aberfan were forced to make a contribution of £150,000 (equivalent to £3,000,000 in 2021) to cover the cost of removing the tips - an action that was "unquestionably unlawful" under charity law - but the Charity Commission took no action to protect the Fund from this misappropriation of funds. 30 years later, the Labour government of 1997 returned the £150,000 to the Aberfan Disaster Fund, now mostly used to sustain the cemetery and memorials to the dead. There is no evidence that prosecution for corporate manslaughter was considered at the time. Robens was exonerated by the official history of the NCB, but he remains condemned in other quarters. My mother was born in Canada to her Australian mother and a Welsh father from LLandrillo, Denbighshire North Wales and I was born and have lived almost now, for 78 years in Australia. You can read more here: prruk.org/aberfan-disaster-1966-power-and-corruption-in-the-valley-of-death/

[@jengeringh6350]

Holland: We played this music several times with our band. No idea what we played. I was a teacher at a primary school for 44 years. Now I know the tragedy of Aberfan, the poor children and their parents, I can not play this music again, it belongs to this Welsh children Choir. No one can do it better.

[@annrenee3265]

Myfanwy is actually a romantic song of unrequited love. Its a beautiful song but not at all appropriate to this disaster. Im astonished it is used in this context. Im sure Welsh composers have witten more appropriate songs. If people understood the words theyd not have used it.

[@teresaduffy8836]

Unrequited love for their children ❤️

[@patriciawrightwood6220]

So moving...should never be forgotten.

[@annwaine2881]

I cannot imagine how the community of Aberfan have endured that terrible tragedy. And the denial of the NCB and the great injustice carried out afterwards was so awful it can hardly be believed.

[@MrSalvia18]

who are the people who dislike a tribute to fellow human ineh disaster Baflles me! heartBreaking mun!

[@kristinebailey2804]

You have no idea why they would dislike it. There could be dozens of reasons, and none of them to do with the loss of the children. I hit like on the video, even though I STRONGLY disliked him going into graphic bloody detail about bloody faces......... that would be very disturbing to me as a mourner. He could have left that grizzly detail aside.

[@lynryall1317]

Me didn't know me as a child.. But my dad and granddad left Aberdare the next Valley over ..and never spoke of it ...white they were when they came home ..rested and went back..broken in spirit and heart ..10 me didn't understand..

[@martinhill7326]

I was 6 when the disaster happened. I remember seeing it on the news. It was probalby my first understanding of death. The horror of it has never left me and I hope it never does. You see there was nothing I could do for the poor little children and for the adults or for their families. But if I remember them I can honour them

[@grahamlucas2388]

This is so.moving

[@davidtapp3950]

50 years later, more tears.

[@michaelturner3152]

I will never forget this and I will be 80 next year. This presentation brought tears to my eyes

[@thomascallaghan7758]

I read about it in the evening paper on my way home from work I could not comprehend it , still can’t. God bless.

[@mgmassey174]

Regards to Aberfan..When I lived in Caerleon a friend too k me to the site..even years later. The desolation was stunning. I shall never forget the people of Wales. You made me welcome and I'll always love you. God bless the people of Aberfan and Wales

[@mariaandanthonyevans2925]

Thank you for such kind words Mr & Mrs evans

[@jamesmacpherson7614]

I was 6 years old that year so sad Lest we forget 🙏😪

[@sooz9433]

Yes... how could you watch this and not weep...

[@alanwilliams871]

Such a beautiful moving and poignant tribute to those who lost their lives that terrible dark day. I’ve never seen this performance before and would love to see this played on the clocks stopping on the bbc to remember them every year. The stories at the beginning are simply heartbreaking. 😢

[@chrisstone4765]

i will never forget this horror, i built the pylon next to this tip at Aberfan i was 23 years old,the record going back to sanfransico by scott mackenses still haunts today as this was the popular record at the time we lodge in aberdare at the time hope the people will remember me,i will come back to Aberfan to pay my respect ,had to walk through the cemetery everyday so sad.chris stone exeter devon.

[@jackhauck2139]

Beautifully done.....what a tragedy.

[@lynnedavies3878]

I was 10 and living in the valley over from aberfan I remember our teachers crying the town and streets were deathly quiet and the men young and old all went to help also I remember the anger towards the NCB and the Labour party money that was raised from kind people around the world to help the people of aberfan was used to pay for the removal of the slag tips the treatment of those poor people was disgusting it was Tony Blair who apologised for the Wilson government and every penny was given back to the people of aberfan .

[@davegregory4291]

I am lost for words, That was so beutiful.

[@patriciajames6838]

Still brings tears to my eyes. Very touching tribute. Who can do this better other than children themselves.

[@jacquelinefox4492]

I was 10 . My Mum gave to those poor devastated people. I remember giving my pocket money. We all have as much as we could. But didn't Wales come back. Come On.

[@jacquelinefox4492]

Gave.

[@mikewainwright5500]

Every time I watch this video I fill up as the children begin to leave the stage. Lovely singing and atmosphere!!

[@clivemainwaring169]

Being an exiled S/W Welshman in S/W France , I can never pass the chance to watch or listen on you-tube to a Welsh Choir, children or a male welsh Choir The sound and emotion of a welsh choir always make me miss my country, the welsh voices like the Men Of Harlech always makes my eyes well up, out of profoundness and the missing of my youth running across the coal pits and green valleys. The miners that kept the home front warm during the second world war, plus the steel works that fed our armies of the war material. Thank God for the Wesl & English Steel works. Lest We Forget. Sleep warm Clive & Pamela.

[@ADRIANWALLER-uy3th]

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE I HAVE EVER HEARD, IWEEP EVERY TIME I HEAR IT. THANK YOU.

[@helenrogers1400]

Heartbreakingly beautiful and so sad. Prayers for all. 🙏✝️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏

[@kieronsloan1704]

I was just 9 years old, at Our Lady of Compassion Primary School in Formby. We went to our swimming lesson, in Litherland, on the morning of the disaster. We heard the news, on the bus, on the way back to school. I will never forget the sadness that crept over us that morning, almost 50 years ago. The victims have remained in my thoughts throughout those years.

[@charltondown1]

So sad a day for Aberfan Wales. Yes a generation lost RIP.

[@liliamaeve]

“Buried alive by the National Coal Board”

[@karenbeale5118]

i was only 4 when this happened but remember it well. we had family that lived in south wales and i remember seeing those slag heaps and they scared me! I also remember my mum crying and talking about the fact a whole generation of children from that town had been lost. I may not have fully understood death at that age but i remember that it was i realized that it was not only old people who died. God Bless Aberfan, the families and the lost children in his arms

[@user-vu7cb5wh7g]

I was a very little boy in Lancashire, my mum was devastated by this. Love

[@judithcotton79]

It breaks my heart thinking of all the little angels we lost.

[@wglovett]

I always remember October 21,I was 13 at school in Prescot Merseyside. We were told at lunchtime. It’s also my sons birthday. Rest In Peace little ones.

[@marywhelan7127]

Geoff Lovett such a sad day for everyone.😔

[@sheilawhite8314]

I remember that day I was only 10 years old it was terrible even after all these years it breaks my heart

[@moly811]

This must be one of my earliest memories and it still leaves me heart broken

[@philskeyable]

Dear cousin rest in peace. I cried like no man should cry, 50 years I have missed you. Curiad.

[@ddavies1967]

My condolences to you. It was a truly awful disaster.

[@tonywatson9523]

A beautiful moving tribute to an unimaginably heart breaking tragedy.

[@johnwatterson8085]

It was one of the saddest days all the school children and the adults safe in the arms of Jesus...

[@130alon]

Made me cry.

[@marlene4129]

Too distressing after all this time! Xxx😪💔

[@elizabethoconnor-lewis928]

Always remember l was going to have my first child so much saddess in our welsh town, my son suffered depression passed away in 2017 all safe in God s hands

[@tristramgordon8252]

I remember it so clearly, just before my first son was born, so many tears here in Scotland

[@agohelliwell6755]

I remember this so well ! I was 11 at the time . and living in Yorkshire .. I still cry when I see or hear anything to do with the abervan disaster !!!!!!

[@spark_6710]

I cried at the end ! So sad & touching !💜💜💜💜👍🎵🎤🎶🥁🐉🐲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇯🇵💕🐾

[@theotherandrew5540]

I had just started as a teacher. When we saw the news, the whole staff room was silent, we felt utterly unable to do anything, no one spoke …

[@stewartmcmanus3991]

I was just off night shift at the steelworks in Middlesbrough, visiting my Grandad in hospital, when I came on the ward radio, then the TV.

[@kimsmith4563]

my 8th birthday was just nine days after this happened,i remember my mum crying,many people cared,all over the place,im in the uk,i was around the same age as some of these poor children,how lovey to know they are still honoured,nobody has ever forgot aberfan,i never have,i was only talking to my older sistr a few weeks back about it,i had six children,and i told each one of them about this, from my eldest girl of 40,down to my youngest girl of 17,rip, forever young, sweet children,rip to the adults who lost their lives too,bless all the familys still alive,a terrible disaster,dealt with such dignity from the people of aberfan X

[@lloydthomas5543]

Kim Smith that is good can you tel my whot agenda

[@patriciahehir3576]

So absolutely heartbreaking. I live in Galway ireland got married 1966 never even knew Af ter looking at the crown on Netflix I’m heartbroken. Crown my eye

[@Chloe-pj9dr]

This is making me cry because this makes me remember when some of my family got wiped out and still to this day I miss them so much I just want them to know that I love them and miss them some much it’s really sad 😭😭😭😘😘😘

[@edh0011]

Powerful

[@dennisbean7336]

My heart is broken always remember them RIP

[@davegregory4291]

That was the most moving performance i have ever seen, the end realy brought it home.

[@philippacowhig-morris5583]

Can I cry anymore over this tragedy .. seems not.... RIP to those souls lost over 50 years ago... you are part of history and will forever live on X

[@carsonbowman8197]

My family lived in LLandaff that year from California. I was 13 and have never forgotten the suffering of the families and miners. You are in my heart.

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

This still brings me to tears.

[@Saucyakld]

We had just arrived in New Zealand and three years after met my Welsh husband. I must say a species I never thought off and did not think our marriage would last. A dour quiet man but so handsome. 46 years and three children but we both still remember the day this happened. Even though his Welsh parents were racist as I am Dutch my tears still fell for the mother's and father's, grandma's and grandpas, aunt's, uncles, nieces and nephews and siblings!

[@christinewoolley16]

How moving how beautiful

[@althomas3168]

Will always be tinged with sadness that village.. I worked on the demolition of Merthyr Vale Colliery in Aberfan in 89.. sad all ways round. Great people tho’.. and true today.

[@petercorless1381]

I've seen this performance many times but now my comment. Heart breaking and brings tears to my eyes every time absolutely superb performance by the choirs God Bless

[@ttonypayne5077]

Moving God bless them all.

[@catherinewicks139]

I lived in Aberfan and the day of the disaster is forever etched in my memory. I was 12 years old and lost cousins, friends and neighbours on that dreadful day.

[@suejennings7649]

Beautiful

[@MsOhaganmusic]

Thank you for sharing with us.

[@SuperDancingdevil]

I’ve never seen this before but what a truly touching tribute.

[@husk488able]

Heartbreaking sending love to Aberfan ❤️

[@patbaxter6588]

This is a beutiful tribute, thank you. - I was sadly there when the disaster struck. We were building a transmission line just outside Aberfan. I had just left our contractor to go back to my office in Abergavenny. Got a phone call from the contractor - "There's been a terrible disaster here in Aberfan you better get back" Couldn't believe what I was seeing. - Our workers and machines were digging with the local miners inside the school. Within an hour there must have been a hundred men digging. A nightmare to stay with me for the rest of my life.

[@user-nb7zy4zf8x]

This is so heartbreakingi can't see for tears those poor children and the parents left to cope after the tragedy my they rest in peace 😭😢😢😢

[@marianshattock2732]

I remember the Aberfan disater only too well. That beautiful music brought tears to my eyes all these years later.

[@davidgregory8089]

Not very often am i speachles. i am now, just tears.

[@hazelstory9989]

I was 7 when this happened even today I still see the mess and the loss of so many adults and children still breaks my heart to this day I'm from Swansea and it hit home how dangerous it is for the miners and for the families that lived near there. Forever in our hearts God bless you all

[@andirossetter]

Wow. So powerful.

[@dianek.4216]

Just beautiful. Never forget!

[@rogergoris4241]

so tragic , so sad and heartbreaking , cant understand anyone could give this a thumbs down !

[@rads76]

Me enteré de esta tragedia por la serie Crown que pena imaginar lo vivido por esas personas de algún modo quisiera enviar mi cariño a toda esa gente y que Dios los cuide y tenga junto a él a todos esos niños que murieron y padres que sufrieron tanto dolor Dios bendiga al pueblo de Aberfan.

[@theresechristiansen9769]

Beautiful absolutely beautiful. I can't imagine anyone disliking this! Nearly 6000 views. Awesome. Such gorgeous lilting Welsh accents.

[@andrewcowling5804]

I go back there on a semi regular basis. i can't face going back every year. its still too upsetting. I visit the grave of the little boy whose birthday is close to my own and was the same age as me.8. We were in the next Valley at Bedwas. it could have been us or anyone in any of the valleys. the scenes will never leave me. It could just as easily have been me. Why did little Children have to die. Why?

[@Lellyboo100]

That was powerful. I was born in 1972, so wasnt aware what had happened, but I will always remember visiting family and driving past the cemetary which you can see from the road, and asking my mum what the pretty arches were that I could see. She couldnt tell me because she was crying. I obviously learned as I was older what the arches were. Terrible tragedy.

[@marywhelan6963]

Gone but Never ever Forgotten. My lifetime gone.💔💔💔

[@MC-io7ru]

May God bless all the victims and the survivors.

[@peterfisher6884]

I was there, I still dream about it.

[@peterfisher6884]

@PantherpunkYT Cheers, but I wasn't a victim, I was there helping.