Côr y Penrhyn take Welsh song to new heights on the zip line above Penrhyn Quarry

Choirs are used to performing on big stages, but few have sung at 100mph. Côr y Penrhyn, the choir based near Bethesda and believed to be one of Wales' longest-standing, has sung on Zip World's Velocity zip line above Penrhyn Quarry in what it called a musical first.

Around 50 members performed a selection of traditional Welsh songs and contemporary tunes as they descended the line. They started singing in the truck on the way to the top of the quarry and carried on in mid-air as they soared down. The oldest member to take part was 85-year-old Raymond Roberts.

The location carried special meaning. Côr y Penrhyn began as a quarry choir in the 1880s, disbanded during a period of industrial unrest and reformed in 1935. Today it has around 70 members aged from 15 to 85, including eight who have sung with the choir for more than 50 years.

"We're always looking for new ways to share what we do and bring Welsh music to different audiences, but this was definitely something special for us," said musical director Owain Arwel Jones. "To be able to sing here, where the choir first formed over a century ago, is something we'll remember for a long time."

Former quarryman and choir member Elfyn Bullock enjoyed seeing his old workplace from a new angle. "It was fantastic to see a bird's-eye view of where I used to work," he said. "Coming down the zip line singing the songs was something I'll never forget."

The choir and the attraction go back a long way. Côr y Penrhyn performed at Zip World's opening in 2013 after being invited by founder Sean Taylor, and this latest appearance was part of a delayed celebration of the choir's 91st anniversary since reforming.

"Côr y Penrhyn has been part of our story since the very beginning, so it was brilliant to see this idea come to life," Sean Taylor said. "This was about celebrating the local community and shining a spotlight on a group that means a lot to the area."

Zip World describes Velocity at Penrhyn Quarry as the world's fastest zip line, with riders flying head-first at 100mph above the quarry lake, which makes the choir's performance all the more impressive. The flight was also a recruitment drive, with the choir hoping to attract new members and promote Welsh music and culture.

Anyone interested in singing with Côr y Penrhyn can get in touch with the choir through its social media channels.