The Big Meeting marches on

The organizers of the 123rd Durham Miners’ Gala estimated that more than 40,000 people packed the streets of the ancient city on Saturday July 14th to witness over 30 of our brilliant colliery bands leading the vibrant procession of 70 banners. It just goes to show that the Big Meeting continues to play an important part in our region’s heritage and still has a special place in the hearts and minds of our mining communities.

As usual, it was a great atmosphere with the crowds that lined the route in the bright sunshine clapping and cheering as the parade wound its way through the streets of Durham on its historic march.

The procession made its time-honoured stop at the Royal County Hotel where dignitaries looked on from the balcony as the bands and bagpipers played for them.

Among the famous faces watching from the balcony were Tony Benn, a visitor to the gala for 45 years, and TV’s Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson, one of Britain’s best loved actors, who was invited by his friend, 77 year-old former miner George Rowe from Houghton Le Spring. In an interview with the Sunderland Echo, Tony Benn said, “You can close the pits but you can’t close the miners – the miners are still here”.

The march ended at the Racecourse where families enjoyed all the fun of the fairground rides and had their Big Meeting picnics.

There were also the customary gala speeches. Mayor of Durham, Councillor Bob Wynn said: "We should never forget the past. We should have pride in the culture, history and sense of community, because community spirit was very strong in the collieries, and I hope it will continue to be that way”.

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