IN 1921 a sequence of events took place at a quiet rural railway station in Abermule which was to lead to a terrible tragedy which was to reverberate across the British Empire.
“Remember Abermule” read notices in railway stations as far away as India for years after the disaster in which 17 died.
Now, almost 90-years later, a group of people from Abermule are remembering that fatal day with a new music festival – Crash 2010.
Taking place on Saturday, August 14, between Abermule and Montgomery, 17 bands will perform in recognition of the 17 people who died.
Featuring top bands from Mid Wales and the borders, the 12-hour musical extravaganza will take a Battle of the Bands format with the best act aged over 21 winning £1,000 and the top group in the under 21 category clinching a day in a top recording studio.
The idea for this fledgling festival came only a few months ago, according to Ashley Owen, who is a member of the organising committee.
"A lot of young local bands are finding it difficult to get going and find venues to play," said Mr Owen, who is a club DJ and former drive-time presenter with Radio Maldwyn.
"The Llanfyllin Workhouse festival was cancelled this year, so this has made it even more difficult for bands to find an outlet. So half a dozen of us, mainly from Abermule, got together in February to try and set up the festival."
In the under 21’s section, kicking off at noon, there will be performances from: Organised Chaos, The Nail Gun Episode, Coaching the Obese, The Hostages, The Strikez, The Misty Blue Trio and Cool Kids Write in Blue.
Then will follow a guest appearance from All Fired Up before the afternoon session kicks-off with live performances from: Febo Kings, Madoc Vangaurd, Eyes of Mars, Dai Robs, Roots Oracle, Extra Curricular and Shameless Faith. Headline act will be Colour Sunday.
Music aside there will be plenty of other attractions for all the family to enjoy during the event, including fully stocked bar, local brewery with a selection of bitter and cider, selection of food stalls, fun fair, face painting, caricature drawing, and a fireworks display.
Online adult/child tickets are £9.90/£5.50, or £12/£6 on the gate, family tickets are available at a discount. Check out the festivals web site www.crashfestival.co.uk for ticket information and prices plus the line up of bands and links to many of the bands web sites.
Tickets are available over the phone on 07859 937083. Gates open from 11:30am and the night will finish at midnight.
Profits will all be pumped back into associated groups of Abermule Community Centre.
The festival will be located on the B4386 between Abermule and Montgomery. At the Abermule roundabout take the exit marked Montgomery and continue on that road for approximately one mile. The festival and parking are situated on the left hand side.
There will also be a shuttle bus service running to and from Newtown and Welshpool, they will also go out to the surrounding villages if there is enough demand, contact festival organisers via the website, or speak to the stewards