Thousands at Big Meeting (From The Advertiser Series)

Thousands at Big Meeting

8:00am Friday 16th July 2010

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TENS of thousands of people filled Durham’s narrow streets on Saturday for the 126th Miners’ Gala.

Heritage mixed with harmonies and high politics as the weather largely stayed fine.

Despite the devastating pit closures and as many of the region’s brass bands struggle for players, the Gala, affectionately known as the Big Meeting, has grown in strength in recent years.

This year, more than 70 banners, from mining and other industries, were paraded through the city, led by more than 40 bands. Musicians performed outside the Royal County Hotel for dignitaries on the balcony, before continuing to the Racecourse.

Banners from Usworth, Eldon Drift, Sacriston and Chilton left the field early to be blessed in the Miners Festival Service in Durham Cathedral.

The 126th Gala had a distinctly international flavour, with acts from across the world joining in the music-making, as part of Brass: Durham International Festival 2010.

Les Vilains Chicots, Magicaboola Brass Band and the Drevenack Youth Brass Orchestra were among the visitors from overseas.

Meanwhile, left-wing politics dominated the field, with former Mayor of London “Red” Ken Livingstone the main speaker.

He told the crowds: “It’s a real pleasure to come to the Durham Miners’ Gala because when I watched those bands and those banners marching through the town I realised it celebrates more than just the tradition of the Labour movement – it celebrates the culture of the working class of this country.”

Other speakers included Dave Hopper, secretary of Gala organisers the Durham Miners’ Association, and Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn.

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