BLACK SNOW with JED GRIMES
(The BLACK SNOW ROADSHOW)

SYNOPSIS
Songs, laughter and some tears, celebrating the heritage of Britain’s coal mining industry. Film, music and discussion emphasise the community spirit forged then but now struggling determinedly to survive. Film-maker, Stephen Linstead shows and discusses the multi-award winning “Black Snow” depicting the legacy of England’s biggest ever mining disaster in Barnsley in December 1866. Around the screening, there’s a performance of songs, poems and stories of life in the former mining regions of the UK, from Steve and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee Jed Grimes.

The film tells three interlocking stories -
1. The history and story of a community devastated by the disaster, struggling to survive;
2. The story of the community today, decimated by the loss of industry, rediscovering itself in the struggle to remember;
3. The story of a sculptor, struggling to make one last masterpiece.

The film is visually compelling with award-winning, atmospheric cinematography using VR (virtual reality) footage to recreate the disaster (done by an ex-miner). It has a powerful and atmospheric original score and builds to a moving climax which has been described as spiritual and inspirational.

PRESS/QUOTES
“The sort of show for which the Fringe exists. Informative, perhaps a bit provocative (nothing wrong with that - more needed these days) and entertaining. A must-see show indeed”. Acoustic Music Centre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

“Black Snow tells a powerful story, presented in an informative and engaging way. I’m sure it would resonate particularly in former mining communities everywhere. I was pleased I had the opportunity to see the stage production.” Norma Redfearn, Mayor for North Tyneside

“Truly eye-opening. The fiery recreation of the disaster evokes powerful emotions”. Rowan Sutherland, Blastoff Festival Director, Los Angeles.

“Informative and poignant...I would encourage anyone to watch the film, and help ensure we never forget those who served and sacrificed underground”. Dan Jarvis MBE, MP, Mayor of Sheffield City Region.

“Fine piece of work. The Black Snow Roadshow CD really needs to be played in its entirety”. Jonti Willis, Sine FM.

"What a marvellous night, informative and entertaining, a wonderful snapshot of the mining way of life ably presented by Stephen Linstead and Jed Grimes. Folk festival organisers take note.” Dave Burland, award-winning folk scion and descendent of John Hugh Burland, Barnsley’s definitive 19^th century historian.