After a two-year hiatus, Durham Miners’ Gala returned to the city on Saturday 9 July, dedicated to all the key workers who got us through the pandemic. Former coal mining communities brought banners and bands represented their heritage and arrived with noise.
Thousands attended the event for its 136th anniversary, which has been held in Durham City since 1871.
Speaking to the crowds, General Secretary of Unite, Sharon Graham said, “Well let’s send a clear message – no more. We won’t let the rich and powerful take us for a ride yet again. We won’t let them put one hand in our pocket and the other up our back. We must now organise, we must mobilise and crucially, we must act together.”
Around 200,000 were said to have attended the event. Mangrove Steel Band from the Notting Hill Carnival also took part in the parade. The Durham Miners’ Association brass band will in return take part in the Notting Hill Carnival this August.
One attendee said “The events atmosphere was memorable. I think it’s an emotional one after being cancelled for the previous two years. Seeing everyone together again is fantastic.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
