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The Miners’ Gala: 126 years and still going strong

The Miners’ Gala: 126 years and still going strongThe 126th Durham Miners' Gala attracted the usual tens of thousands of people to celebrate the mining heritage in the North East. The day continues be a great success and a brilliantly moving spectacle.

More than 72 banners from mining and other industries were paraded through the city, accompanied by over 40 bands from across the North.

As usual, the musicians played outside the Royal County Hotel for guests on the balcony before continuing through the ancient, cobbled streets of the city to the Racecourse.

New banners from Usworth, Eldon Drift, Sacriston and Chilton were blessed in the Miners’ Festival Service in Durham Cathedral. The 126th Big meeting 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.

There was more music to be heard on the Racecourse Field, which also hosted the now traditional funfair in the afternoon and speeches from guest speakers including former London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn.

The pits may be closed, but the spirit of the mining community lives on.