Although I moved to the North East in 2014, last Saturday marked my very first visit to the iconic Durham Miners’ Gala. And what an immersion it was, stepping directly into the heart of the event as part of the Climate Action bloc, witnessing firsthand the enduring power of solidarity in action. The Durham Miners’ Gala is truly a massive celebration of community, international solidarity, and working-class life. It’s a unique and inspiring spectacle, with more than 200,000 people packing the streets of Durham to enjoy the sights and sounds of The Big Meeting. Hosted by the Durham Miners Association (DMA) since 1871, this year’s Gala was the 139th time the event has taken place. The Gala has always given a voice to the oppressed throughout the world, expressing the vital importance of trade unionism, the duty to look after each other in the community, and the desire to build a society where wealth is created for the common good. Above all, the Gala commemorates the past as part of a living movement that desires to build a better future for all.
My senses were immediately overwhelmed by the sheer scale and energy of the procession. A seemingly endless river of lodge banners, each a unique work of art depicting mining scenes, heroic figures, and powerful slogans, swayed in the very welcome breeze, while the air vibrated with the sound of dozens of brass bands, their powerful tunes creating an infectious energy that pulled everyone along. Among the traditional marching bands and banners, the contribution of groups like Jack Drum Arts stood out, adding a vibrant, contemporary twist to the historical pageantry. Together with the Nordestinos band, an intergenerational community of drummers, brass players, singers, and dancers, they created an incredible fusion. As they themselves described, they were “singing songs of our industrial heritage brought to life with a South American twist.” It was truly “EPIC” to see their community of over 80 people, from County Durham to London, bringing such dynamic cultural expression to the streets of Durham. And as we marched up Silver Street, with Jack Drum Arts/Nordestinos just ahead of us, the sound of their drums and brass wrapped around us, reverberating off the old buildings. In that moment, fully enveloped by the music and the energy, you could not but be moved – it was an almost visceral experience of the Gala’s spirit. The visual spectacle, the sound, and the palpable sense of pride in history and community were truly unlike anything I’d experienced.
The Gala’s roots lie deep in trade unionism and social movements, always serving as a powerful platform for diverse struggles, and has a tradition of international speakers dating back to its early years. My own immersion began as I joined the Climate Action Newcastle bloc, proudly carrying their banner behind the Hole in the Wall banner from Crook. The urgency of our cause felt incredibly relevant in this historic setting. As one powerful banner within our bloc declared, summing up the core message: “There are no jobs on a dead planet.” This stark truth powerfully connected environmental concerns directly to the working-class issues of livelihoods and economic justice that the Gala has always championed. It was powerful to represent this contemporary fight for a just future within such a historical procession, highlighting the intersection of working-class struggles with urgent environmental concerns like the need for a just transition. The procession, after passing the County Hotel at Old Elvet, continued to the Old Racecourse. At the racecourse, the banners are displayed around the perimeter fencing, and the event concluded with speeches and other activities. Here there was a Climate Action stall, serving as a hub for further engagement.
What struck me profoundly was the breadth of causes marching alongside the traditional mining banners, illustrating that the spirit of solidarity is as vital today as it ever was. Among the most impactful were the contingents from Durham Pride UK and those demonstrating support for Palestine. The presence of Durham Pride UK, marching with the Sherburn Banner Group, was particularly moving. As their social media post so eloquently put it: “We are extremely honoured to have been invited by the Durham Miners Association to march with the Sherburn Banner Group with LGSM co-founder Mike Jackson (portrayed by Joe Gilgun in the film Pride) at this years gala. The usual pathetic comments from ill informed people have filled many social media pages but we know why we are there and our rainbow flags will be flying strong and proud in recognition of the miners and their families who led London Pride 1985 and the NUM who helped secure LGBT+ rights for thousands of workers and fought to rid us of Section 28.” This powerful statement underscores the deep, enduring bond forged during the 1984-85 miners’ strike when the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) group offered crucial aid to striking miners. Their mutual support culminated in miners leading the 1985 London Pride march and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) later using its block vote to help repeal the discriminatory Section 28 legislation. Seeing Mike Jackson, a figure pivotal in that history, marching with them decades later, truly brought home the living legacy of that alliance.
There were also many Palestinian flags to be seen. These were to the fore when a truly historic moment unfolded: Dr. Husam Zomlot, who has served as the Palestinian ambassador to the UK since 2018, was one of the invited speakers to the 139th Durham Miners’ Gala. He became the first Palestinian to address crowds at this gathering – the largest of its kind in Europe. His presence on the platform, and the enthusiastic reception for the Palestinian solidarity bloc in the procession, powerfully underlined the Gala’s commitment to international justice. As Ambassador Zomlot himself noted, his favourite thing about Durham was “how history is so important and significant” to residents – a sentiment that resonated deeply with the spirit of the entire day, where past struggles inform and fuel present and future fights for justice globally.
Despite the diverse causes and backgrounds, an overwhelming feeling of solidarity permeated the day. Even as a first-timer, I felt an immediate sense of welcome and connection. It was clear that regardless of the specific banner being carried, there was a unifying thread: a shared commitment to fighting for a better, fairer world. The gathering at the Durham Cathedral, and the speeches at the Racecourse, solidified this sense of collective power. It’s where the political messaging became explicit, and where the multitude of voices converged, amplifying their shared demands for justice. Beyond the formal procession, the atmosphere was one of genuine celebration, camaraderie, and family. Pubs overflowed, laughter filled the streets, and strangers shared stories – all bound by the unique spirit of the Gala.
More than just a parade, the Durham Miners’ Gala is a powerful, living reminder of collective strength. My first visit was an eye-opening immersion into an event where pageantry, politics, and pride intertwine seamlessly. It shows that the fight for justice – whether for workers’ rights, climate action, LGBTQ+ equality, or international solidarity – is an ongoing, interconnected journey. It certainly deepened my understanding of the North East, of the enduring power of activism, and of how history continuously shapes our present. If you have not yet been, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing “The Big Meeting” for yourself. It’s an unforgettable testament to what can be achieved when communities come together for a common cause.
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