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The Durham Miners Gala will return this year, organisers have confirmed.

Hosted by the Durham Miners Association (DMA) since 1871, the Gala was cancelled for the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The DMA has been working with the local authority, police and other partners to confirm arrangements for the safe return of the event, which is attended by more than 200,000 people from across the region and beyond. It now confirms that The Big Meeting, as it is popularly known, will return on Saturday 9 July 2022.

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The DMA announced last year that the returning Gala will be dedicated to key workers.

Carers and bus drivers, delivery workers and nurses, shop staff and teachers, everyone who has risked their lives to keep society functioning throughout the pandemic will be celebrated.

Between now and the Gala, the DMA will work with trades union branches across the country to bring people into Durham, and is calling on the public to gather in greater numbers than ever before in support of the country’s key workers. 

DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm that the Gala will return in 2022. We know it has been sorely missed. For many it truly is the highlight of the year. The Gala has been at the heart of the cultural life of the people of the Durham coalfield area for more than 150 years.

“The Gala has also been a rallying point to fight for social justice throughout its long history. We dedicate this year’s Gala to the workers of this country. As the pandemic made so clear, it is they our society truly needs. Our key workers will be centre stage, and I urge everyone to join us in Durham in a massive demonstration of our support.”

Before the pandemic, only two world wars and two national strikes had stopped the Gala marching on.

In its the absence, new digital content including a live streamed event, brought the sights and sounds of the Gala to more than one million people online.  Last year, in the 150^th anniversary of the first event, more than a dozen communities across the region hosted ‘little big meetings’, bringing people together in the spirit of the Gala.

The streets of Durham will be packed again in July as people march colliery banners to sound of brass brand music.

Also returning is the hugely popular Miners Festival Service at Durham Cathedral which has been part of every Gala since 1897. The service, in celebration of Durham’s mining heritage and its communities of today, features brass band music and the blessing of new banners taking part in the Gala for the first time.

The costs of hosting the Gala rise every year, but organisers are facing a huge increase in 2022. Bumper crowds are expected, safety and stewarding costs are rising and inflation has hit infrastructure costs.

Everyone who values The Big Meeting is urged to chip in.

For more than a century, the Gala was funded by the working miners of the Durham coalfield. Following the closure of the collieries it is funded by donation and subscription through the Friends of Durham Miners Gala (FODMG).

Those who contribute are known as ‘Marras’, a Durham miners’ term for a friend who can be relied on in times of need.

FODMG chair Dave Anderson said: “The Gala is a unique and inspiring spectacle. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world and it happens in Durham.

“Whether you enjoy the sights and sounds and atmosphere of the Big Meeting, share its values of solidarity and community, or value the contribution it makes to the local economy, I urge you – please sign up, become a Marra, and help ensure this wonderful day continues to survive and thrive.”

To support the Gala, click here.

County Durham’s former mining communities joined together during 2021 to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Gala.

For a century and a half people from around the region have travelled to Durham for The Big Meeting, the annual celebration of community, solidarity and working-class life.

Following the cancellation of this year’s Durham Miners Gala banner groups stepped up to organise gatherings closer to home.

Featuring the Gala’s essential ingredients of brass bands and banners, a series of ‘little big meetings’ were held in more than a dozen communities – from Greenside in the north to Shildon in the south.

Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), said: “We were greatly saddened that The Big Meeting was unable to take place, particularly as 2021 is its 150^th anniversary year.

“But our communities were determined that ‘the show must go on’. We are delighted that our banner groups stepped up and organised a series of wonderful events to bring people together in the spirit of the Gala.

“The Big Meeting has always been a celebration of the best of us – of community and solidarity and of what we can achieve when we work together. This year has demonstrated that these values are alive and well across the Durham coalfield.”

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, only world wars and two national strikes had prevented the Gala from taking place.

To organise the events, the banner groups received support and funding from the Friends of Durham Miners Gala.

For more than a century, the Gala was funded by the working miners of the Durham coalfield. Today, it is funded by subscription and donation through the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala (FODMG). Those who contribute are known as ‘Marras’, a Durham miners’ term for a trusted friend who can be relied on in times of need. 

The Gala itself is due to return to the streets of Durham on Saturday 9 July 2022. If you haven’t yet, please sign up and join the Gala’s band of Marras here.

A wonderful new banner for Murton has been unfurled – 30 years on from the closure of the colliery.

The people of Murton turned out in force despite the awful weather to see the unfurling of the banner at The Glebe Centre on Saturday night. 

Murton Colliery closed on 29 November 1991 with the loss of more than 1,700 jobs.

But a generation later, a group of volunteers banded together to preserve and promote their mining heritage and the values of their community.

The result is this wonderful new Murton banner produced by Durham Bannermakers. It celebrates the historic achievements of the miners of Murton but also looks to the future.

The banner will parade and receive its blessing at Durham Cathedral when the Durham Miners Gala returns in 2022.

Saturday’s event featured live music from Dog in a Box, a raffle and speakers including Grahame Morris MP and DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum.

The unveiling of the new Murton banner at The Glebe Centre.

DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum speaking at the unveiling of the new Murton banner

The new Murton banner with DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum.

Read more about the new Murton banner group here.

A group of volunteers who banded together to promote their mining heritage are preparing to unfurl a new banner for Murton (excerpt previewed above).

Elliot Dixon, Chris Nutton, Michael Rawlinson and Laura Dixon formed a new banner group to preserve the values of their community for a new generation.

“We got involved and have helped carry to old banner, but we set ourselves the goal of a new banner for Murton,” said Elliot, the banner group secretary.

Chris and Elliot carrying the previous Murton banner at the Durham Miners Gala.

The group began liaising with former miners in the community, sharing ideas and raising money. When lockdown came, the mission went online as designs were shared by email and WhatsApp messages.

“We wanted to ensure the community and especially ex miners were involved throughout,” said Elliot. “This is about the values of the village and making sure they are passed on to the younger generation.”

The group was guided in its efforts by community stalwart and former mineworker Geordie Maitland.

“He’s been the ‘Master Yoda’ to our Jedi, helping us and keeping up on the right path!” Elliot said.

With the support of former county councillors Alan Napier and Joyce Maitland, the group secured the required funds and commissioned Emma Shankland from Durham Bannermakers to produce the banner.

“We’ve kept it traditional,” said Elliot. “The artwork is unbelievable.”

The new banner will be unfurled at a special event at The Glebe Centre on Saturday 27 November.

Beginning at 7pm, the event will feature live music from Dog in a Box, a raffle and speakers including Grahame Morris MP and DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum.

Tickets cost £5 and are available from The Glebe Centre and from the banner group via their Facebook page here.

All money raised will support the new banner coming into the Durham Miners Gala next year – 151 years on since the first Murton banner paraded at the very first Gala in 1871.

The new Murton group joins a movement of more than 60 banner groups across the Durham coalfield area. Banner groups formed following the closure of the collieries. Local people stepped up to care for and renew their community banners, a role that had been performed by the lodges of the Durham Miners Association.

Today, the groups work year round to raise funds for the banners and for brass bands. They are the backbone of The Big Meeting, bringing the colour and the music to Gala day.

Banner groups marching at the most recent Durham Miners Gala in 2019

A special service at Durham Cathedral has celebrated the 150^th anniversary of the Durham Miners Gala.

The world’s greatest celebration of community, solidarity and working class life was first held in 1871.

The Miners Festival Service at Durham Cathedral has been part of every Gala since 1897. The Gala itself was unable to take place in its 150^th year due the Covid-19 pandemic.

The cathedral hosted a special evensong service at the weekend, honouring the Gala and the communities that have sustained it for a century and a half.

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, spoke in tribute to all workers who have kept society functioning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Actor Charlie Hardwick recited a new poem written by Fiona Tobin for the Gala anniversary.

Bishop of Jarrow and miner’s daughter Sarah Clark gave the sermon.

There were readings from the Dean of Durham Andrew Tremlett, Stephen Guy, Chair of the Durham Miners Association, and Chris McDonald, chair of Redhills CIO, the new charity stewarding the Miners Hall on behalf of the communities of the Durham coalfield.  

The service features performances from the Durham Miners Association Brass Band.

Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the DMA, said: “This was a wonderful and fitting way to celebrate the Gala and pay tribute to our communities who have sustained The Big Meeting for a century and a half.

 “Our thanks to all our speakers, to the band, to our friends at the cathedral and everyone who joined us in the spirit of the Gala. We look forward to returning to the cathedral for the Miners Festival Service when the Gala is back in 2022.”

The Gala has undergone a resurgence in recent years, with more than 200,000 people packing the streets of the city every second Saturday in July. The Miners Festival Service at Durham Cathedral remains a key part of the Gala, featuring the blessing of new miners banners, funded by coalfield communities.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, only two world wars and two national strikes had prevented the Gala from taking place.

Following the cancellation of this year’s Gala, former mining communities stepped up to mark the anniversary arranging a series of ‘little big meetings’ bringing people together across the summer in the spirit of the Gala.

For more than a century, the Gala was funded by the working miners of the Durham coalfield. After the closure of the collieries, the DMA formed the Friends of Durham Miners Gala to keep The Big Meeting going. Those who contribute are known as ‘Marras’, a Durham miners’ term for trusted friends who can be relied on in times of need.

The Gala is due to return to the streets on Durham on Saturday 9 July 2022. Give the Gala your support.

Join the Marras today: www.friendsofdurhamminersgala.org/join_us

The 150th anniversary of the Durham Miners’ Gala will be celebrated at a special service at Durham Cathedral.

Known as The Big Meeting, the annual celebration of community, solidarity and the coal mining heritage of County Durham was first held in 1871. The Miners Festival Service at Durham Cathedral has been part of every Gala since 1897.

The Gala itself was unable to take place in its 150^th year due the Covid-19 pandemic.

A special evensong service on Friday 29 October at 5.30pm will honour the Gala and the communities that have sustained it for a century and a half.

Actor Charlie Hardwick will read a new poem celebrating the Gala and Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, will pay tribute to key workers at the service, which will feature performances from the Durham Miners Association Brass Band.

There will also be readings by the Bishop of Jarrow Sarah Clark, Dean of Durham Andrew Tremlett, Stephen Guy, Chair of the Durham Miners Association (DMA) and Chris McDonald, Chair of the Redhills charity.

Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the DMA, said: “We are very proud that this anniversary of will be celebrated in the wonderful Durham Cathedral.More than a generation on from the closure of the last colliery in Durham, the continuation of the Gala demonstrates that the principles of community and camaraderie at its heart are alive and relevant. The Gala is about the best of us – our desire to look out for each other and to join together to make a better world. It is a beacon of hope.”

The Gala has undergone a resurgence in recent years, with more than 200,000 people packing the streets of the city every second Saturday in July. The Miners Festival Service at Durham Cathedral remains a key part of the Gala, featuring the blessing of new miners banners, funded by coalfield communities.

The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, blessing the DMA banner during the 2019 Miners Festival Service.

The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham, said: “The Durham Miners’ Festival Service is a real highlight of the cathedral calendar, and although the Gala itself was unable to take place this year, we’re delighted to be hosting this special service to give thanks, reflect on the region’s mining legacy, as well as celebrate community cohesion and hope for the future.”

In the interests of public safety, face coverings should be worn throughout the service, and people will be seated socially distanced in the Cathedral. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should not attend.

The first Gala was held in the amphitheatre at Wharton Park on 12 August 1871. Since then, there have been 135 Galas over 150 years. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, only two world wars and two national strikes had prevented the Gala taking place.

Following the cancellation of this year’s Gala, former mining communities stepped up to mark the anniversary arranging a series of ‘little big meetings’ bringing people together across the summer in the spirit of the Gala.

For more than a century, the Gala was funded by the working miners of the Durham coalfield. After the closure of the collieries, the DMA formed the Friends of Durham Miners Gala to keep The Big Meeting going. Those who contribute are known as ‘Marras’, a Durham miners’ term for trusted friends who can be relied on in times of need.

 The Gala is due to return to the streets on Durham on Saturday 9 July 2022. Give the Gala your support. Join the Marras today: www.friendsofdurhamminersgala.org/join_us

Banners, brass band music, and poetry marked the 150 years to the day since the first Durham Miners Gala.

The first Gala was held in the amphitheatre at Wharton Park on 12 August 1871. Today, the Durham Miners Association (DMA) returned to the site a century and half later to honour the anniversary.

In front of miners’ banners, DMA Chair Stephen Guy began proceedings at noon, the time the first Gala began, welcoming the ‘family gathering’ of banner groups representatives and other invited guests.

The DMA Brass Band played Gresford, as is Gala tradition, in memory of all those lost since the most recent Gala in 2019.

There were speeches from DMA Secretary, Alan Mardghum, Mary Foy MP, Dave Anderson, chair of the Friends of Durham Miners Gala, and Pat Simmons, chair of the Durham Mining Communities Banner Groups Association.

The Miners Festival Service at Durham Cathedral has been part of every Gala since 1897. At Wharton Park, the Dean of Durham, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett spoke from the platform. 

Poetry was read out from the platform at the first Gala. Inspired by this and the question ‘how can we change the world for the better’, children from Durham Area Youth Project have been working with poet Rowan McCabe from Hebburn. The young poets took turns reading through a poem they wrote collectively to mark the Gala anniversary.

Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the DMA, said: “On this day in 1871 families left their homes in pit villages across the coalfield to travel into Durham for the first Gala. This journey has been made on summers days for 150 years.

“The coal industry came to an end, but the Gala did not end with it. It lives because the people have remained determined that it must. The Gala represents the best of us. It is about community, human spirit, and our desire to look out for each other and to build a better world. 

“Our thanks to everyone who joined us to honour the Gala and honour all those who have gone before us. A particular thank you to the wonderful young people from Durham Area Youth who lit up Wharton Park with their brilliance.

“The Gala is 150 years old, but the future is bright. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Durham when the Gala returns on the second Saturday in July 2022. As the Durham miners’ motto states; ‘the past we inherit; the future we build’”

In 1871, the first Gala got underway at noon when DMA President William Crawford, took to the platform. His first words – the first ever spoken at a Gala – were: “This is the first great Gala day. I pray that it will not be the last.”

The Gala is due to return to the streets of Durham in 2022. Give your support by joining our band of Marras today:

Since then, there have been 135 Galas over 150 years. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, only two world wars and two national strikes had prevented the Gala taking place.

Following the cancellation of this year’s Gala, former mining communities have stepped up to arrange a series of ‘little big meetings’ bringing people together across the summer in the spirit of the Gala.

Organised by the county’s banner groups, the next events take place in Shotton and in Hetton this Saturday.

For more than a century, the Gala was funded by the working miners of the Durham coalfield. After the closure of the collieries, the DMA formed the Friends of Durham Miners Gala to keep The Big Meeting going. Those who contribute are known as ‘Marras’, a Durham miners’ term for trusted friends who can be relied on in times of need.

Chair of the Marras, the former Blaydon MP Dave Anderson, said: “Without the support of our Marras the Gala simply would not happen in any year. I urge everyone who values the Gala to please sign up, chip in what you can and help us ensure the Gala survives and thrives for many years to come.”

The first Gala is the only to be held in Wharton Park. The following year, the Gala paraded through the streets of Durham to the Old Racecourse ground, arrangements that have remained in place ever since.

The 136^th Gala is due to return to the streets of Durham on Saturday 9 July 2022.

More information on the ‘little big meetings’ here.

Support the Gala by joining the Marras here.

The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) has announced that next year’s Gala will be dedicated to all our key workers.

The Gala was due to be held today (Saturday 10 July) but was cancelled for the second year running due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year is the 150th anniversary of the first Gala.

When the Gala returns in 2022, key workers will be centre stage. Carers and bus drivers, delivery workers and nurses, shop staff and teachers, everyone who has risked their lives to keep society functioning throughout the pandemic will be celebrated.

Between now and then, the DMA will work and campaign to make the Gala a massive demonstration of public support for our pandemic heroes.

The DMA is working with trades union branches across the country to bring people into Durham, and is calling on the public to gather in greater numbers than ever before in support of the country’s key workers. 

Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the DMA, said: “As well as a great celebration of the spirit of our communities and our proud heritage, the Gala has always been a rallying point to fight for social justice. 

“The central issue at the first Gala was the fight to end the use of child labour. That battle was won. Today, we are determined to play our part in bringing a measure of justice for key workers. As the pandemic has shown so starkly, it is they our society truly needs.  We are proud to dedicate the Gala to them and we urge everyone join us in Durham in 2022 to demand the improved pay and conditions they so richly deserve.” 

Before the pandemic, only two world wars and two national strikes had stopped the Gala marching on.

This year, the 150th anniversary of the Gala will be celebrated at a series of community events during the summer. More than a dozen communities across the region have organised ‘little big meetings’ to bring people together in the spirit of the Gala.

The Gala is due to return to the streets of Durham on Saturday 9 July 2022. Everyone is urged to support its return by joining the ‘Marras’.

The Gala has been funded by subscription and donation through the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala (FODMG) since the closure of the collieries. Those who contribute are known as ‘Marras’, a Durham miners’ term for a friend who can be relied on in times of need. Support the Gala by becoming a Marra here. 

For news and updates about the Gala and to support the campaign for key workers, follow the Gala on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Communities across County Durham will come together this summer to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Durham Miners’ Gala.

First held in 1871, the Gala has been cancelled for the second year running due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2021 Gala was due to take place on Saturday 10 July.

For a century and a half people from across the region have travelled to Durham for The Big Meeting, the annual celebration of community, solidarity and working-class life.

This year, a series of ‘little big meetings’ will be held in more than a dozen communities – from Greenside in the north to Shildon in the south – bringing people together in the spirit of the Gala to mark the event’s 150th anniversary.

Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), said:

“The Gala has always been a celebration of the best of us – of community and solidarity and of what we can achieve when we work together. This has been a very difficult year for everyone, and a very lonely year for many of us, and we are saddened that the Gala itself cannot take place in its 150th year.But we are delighted that our former mining communities are gathering people together this summer in the spirit of our wonderful Gala.”

It had been hoped events could be held on what would have been Gala day (July 10), but have been rearranged following changes to the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

The gatherings will feature a range of activities including live music and children’s games, as well as brass band performances and the display of each community’s miners’ banner.

The DMA has been supporting the county’s banner groups to organise the events, which are backed with funding from the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala.

Patricia Simmons, chair of the Durham Mining Communities Banner Groups Association, said:

“After the closure of the collieries, people across the region stepped up to care for and renew our banners and preserve the proud heritage of our communities. The banner groups remain central to the Durham Miners’ Gala every year, and I am delighted they have stepped up again to ensure the Gala is celebrated in its 150th year.” 

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, only world wars and two national strikes had prevented the Gala from taking place.

For more than a century, the Gala was funded by the working miners of the Durham coalfield. Today, it is funded by subscription and donation through the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala (FODMG). Those who contribute are known as ‘Marras’, a Durham miners’ term for a trusted friend who can be relied on in times of need.

The Gala itself is due to return to the streets of Durham on Saturday 9 July 2022. The public is urged to give support for the return of the Gala by signing up as ‘Marras’.

Dave Anderson, chair of the Marras, said: “Without the support of our Marras, the Gala simply could not happen in any year. We are working to ensure that the Gala returns bigger and better than ever before in 2022. I urge everyone who values the Gala to give it their support in its 150th year. Please chip and join our band of Marras today.”

FOR DETAILS OF COMMUNITY EVENTS, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

For updates about the community events, follow the Gala on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To support the Gala, join the Marras here. 

150th ANNIVERSARY ENAMEL BADGE

The 150th anniversary of the Gala is also being marked with a new souvenir enamel badge.

The deep red hard enamel badge in the style of a miners’ banner features detailing in raised gold metal.

The badge measures 25mm high by 20.8mm wide.

The badge is priced at £5 including postage and packing.

All proceeds will go to the Marras – Friends of Durham Miners Gala to help fund the return of the Gala in 2022.

CLICK HERE TO BUY

Following the cancellation of the 2021 Durham Miners’ Gala due to the Covid–19 pandemic, the 136th Big Meeting will now take place on Saturday 9 July 2022.

Durham Miners Association (DMA) Secretary Alan Mardghum set out the reasons for this year’s cancellation in a letter to Gala partners and stakeholders. The text of the letter is published below.

Following the closure of Durham’s collieries, the Gala has been funded by Marras – Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala. Without the support of the Marras, the Gala could not happen in any year. Show your support for the Gala and ensure this great event returns bigger and better than ever in 2022.

Join the Marras here.

Letter from DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum to Gala partners and stakeholders:

After lengthy consultations with our partners we have, reluctantly, decided that this year’s Durham Miners’ Gala cannot go ahead.

The executive committee of the DMA felt we could not ask all of our partners in local government, the police, health services and banner groups to forge on towards our great day while the possibility of it being allowed to go ahead – with or without social distancing measures – seems less and less likely. Furthermore, we would be asking thousands of people to commit time, money and resources which they can ill afford.

The Prime Minister’s roadmap to Covid recovery made difficult reading for this year’s 150^th Gala year. The key part of the timetable is June 21 which is the very earliest that the government says large public events could again be possible. That would leave a mere three weeks for us to mobilise or cancel the Gala which, as always, was scheduled for the second Saturday in July.

It was felt that the risk factors are too great to commit bands, banners and hard-pressed public services to the complex organisation of the Gala while the possibility of having to cancel the event is still very high.

We are also conscious that many of our Gala stalwarts may have been isolating for a year or so. Even with broadscale vaccinations, many may feel unsure about returning to large crowds.

2021 is the 150^th anniversary year of the Gala and we are determined to keep the flame alive.

The Marras – the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala – have already agreed to sponsor local events should we have to cancel The Big Meeting.  Marras have also agreed that all banner groups will be paid double band allowance next year to help with the financial stress caused by Covid.

We are aware that this is not the best of news but the DMA’s top priority is to keep our members and supporters safe and secure during these troubled times. We will keep you informed of the plans to celebrate our 150^th, albeit without our wonderful main event.

We will be back in 2022 with biggest and best Gala ever and we look forward to seeing you all there.

Yours, in solidarity,

Alan Mardghum

Secretary, Durham Miners Association