Lancashire singer releases song to honour the Accrington Pals this Remembrance Day
To mark Remembrance Day, a Lancashire singer has released a song dedicated to the famous Accrington Pals.
Accrington songwriter Maelor Hughes has released a new song and music video paying tribute to the Accrington Pals, a World War One British Army batallion made up of residents from in and around the East Lancashire town.
It has been supported through Hyndburn Council’s Culture, Arts and Heritage Grant Programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which provides small grants to support creative and heritage projects across the borough.
Filmed in Accrington town centre with the Pals Memorial as the backdrop, the video accompanies Maelor’s original song Poppies.
It shares the story of the Accrington Pals with a new generation and aims to keep local history alive through music and film.
The video will be promoted online and offered as a resource for schools, community groups, and remembrance events.
What has Maelor said about the song?
Lifelong Accrington Stanley fan Maelor, who also wrote the club’s new anthem, said: “I was brought up with tales of The Accrington Pals and when the chance came to film a music video amongst the Pals memorial I was overjoyed.
“Poppies was written by myself and Will Mowbray as a tribute to all fallen soldiers that have bravely given their lives.
“I met Will when he was an early teen at a music festival he was watching me play at, when he asked me sign his guitar. I replied I’ll sign yours, but only if you sign mine.
“After some talks we decided to write a song together which became the song Poppies. The song was the last track on my album Turning of the Seasons, and with the help of the Grant Programme, we have now seen it beautifully visualised
“Poppies was recorded locally at MJM studios by Mark Jones, who played a fundamental part in orchestrating the song.”
What has the council said?
Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, Hyndburn Council’s culture boss said: “Maelor’s video captures exactly what this grant scheme exists to support.
“It celebrates our heritage, it is rooted in Accrington’s identity, and it gives a platform to local creative talent.
“The story of the Accrington Pals matters to our community and deserves to be shared in ways that connect with people today.
“This project shows how art can celebrate our history and make sure it is passed on to future generations.”
The music video can be viewed on the council’s Youtube channel and Facebook page.
More information and music from Maelor is available at maelorhughes.com or search maelorhughesmusic on Facebook.