A FESTIVAL to celebrate the life and times of a Welsh miner who was jailed for his part in the Spanish Civil War is to be held in Wrexham in April.

Tom Jones was a miner from Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham, who went to fight in the Spanish Civil War against the fascists in 1937.

He was one of hundreds of Welsh people who went to defend the Spanish Republic against Generalissimo Francisco Franco’s military coup. He made his way to Spain through France after telling his family he was going to Colwyn Bay for the weekend.

While fighting for the democratic republic as part of the International Brigades he was injured and imprisoned by Franco’s forces.

He spent two years in the notorious Burgos prison.

He was sentenced to death but was finally released in 1940 after the UK Government paid Franco a £2m ransom.

After that, he returned to Wales and worked as a trade union organiser and for greater self-government for Wales.

Mr Jones also founded the Wales TUC.

The festival on Saturday, April, 6, starts with a march from Queen Square around the town behind the Cambria Band.

It is being supported by trade unionists and community activists in the area.

There will be an afternoon of music, films, talks and discussions in Ty Pawb in the town centre and then an evening of music from local and international artists.

Any organisation wishing to have stalls on the day should contact 07747 792441 or via the Facebook page.