| Durham Miners' Gala | |
|---|---|
 Durham Miners Gala 2008 Old Elvet Bridge | |
| Date(s) | Second Saturday in July |
| Location(s) | Durham |
| Inaugurated | 1871 |
| Most recent | 13 July 2024 |
| Organised by | Durham Miners' Association |
| Website | durhamminers |
The Durham Miners' Gala is a large annual gathering and labour festival held on the second Saturday in July in the city of Durham, England.[1] It is associated with the coal mining heritage (and particularly that of miners' trade unionism) of the Durham Coalfield, which stretched throughout the traditional County of Durham. It is also locally called "The Big Meeting" or "Durham Big Meeting". In the context of the Durham Miners' Gala, "gala" is usually pronounced /ˈgeɪlə/ rather than the more common pronunciation /ˈgɑːlə/.[1]
Its highlight consists of a parade of banners, each typically accompanied by a brass band, which are marched to the old Racecourse, where political speeches are delivered. In the afternoon a miners' service is held in Durham Cathedral, which may include the blessing of any new banners.
- ^ a b "Durham Miners' Gala 2010". BBC News. 8 July 2010.