Thousands flock to 126th Durham Miners’ Gala

Jul 11 2010 by Vicky Robson, Sunday Sun

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Durham yesterday to celebrate the region’s rich mining past.

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city’s picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners’ Gala.

The annual event, which takes place in the city centre, is estimated to attract around 50,000 people each year.

Celebrations included a funfair, stalls, bands and marches, while union activists and campaign groups also gathered at the event.

Around 70 trade union banners – 42 of them from the former Durham Coalfield – marched through the city centre from 8am.

They were accompanied by more than 40 brass bands proudly playing to the crowds.

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Scores of families, couples and revellers lined the city's picturesque cobbled streets to mark the 126th Durham Miners' Gala

Speeches started around 12.30pm and four banners – Usworth, Eldon Drift, Sacriston and Chilton – were blessed in a special ceremony which took place in Durham Cathedral at 3pm.

One couple, Tony and Eleanor Swift, from Shadforth, in Durham, had spent the day enjoying the activities together.

Eleanor, 55, said: "I’m a miner’s daughter, so its a tradition to come here. The bands have been playing and it’s just really wonderful.

"Even though the pits have closed, everybody just seems to be out for it."

Husband Tony, 63, added: "It’s been really good. There has been such a good atmosphere here. It’s just a nice family day out and there is lots to do."

Meanwhile, miner’s son Brian Hall, 64, of Great Lumley, in Sunderland, travelled to Durham for the day.

He said: "I’m here because it’s a tradition. I like to come to the gala every year for the atmosphere and to see everything that’s going on and the bands that are playing.

"The brass bands and the pipe bands are really good, so it’s always a really nice day, especially if the weather is good. There’s been lots of people and it’s great to see so many kids here because they get to realise what it’s all about."