Durham Miners' Gala

The legendary Chris Smalls of the Amazon Labour Union sent a special solidarity message to the #BigMeeting last Saturday, relayed from the big screen. Here it is again, for anyone who might have missed it.

Keir Hardie became the first leader of the Labour Party to speak at the Gala #OnThisDay in 1906. The former coal miner had been elected the party's first leader months earlier. Hardie's portrait features on several @DurhamMiners banners, inc the Heworth banner pictured.

The DMA welcomes the announcement of an inquiry into the events at Orgreave. We hope this inquiry will reveal the true extent of state violence against miners whose only crime was standing up and fighting for their jobs and communities. Read more: durhamminers.org/durham_miners_…

Dr @hzomlot with one of the most powerful speeches ever made at the #BigMeeting: "I confess to you, I do sometimes struggle for hope, to see any light in this darkness, but then I see the steadfastness of my people. I hear the laughter of our children.” youtu.be/VNE08nHxi8A?si…

“Put your tokens in. You did your stint...” Everyone at the DMA is saddened to learn of the passing of Tot Holyoak. Among the longest lived of Durham miners, Tot has passed away aged 101 years old. Read more: durhamminers.org/tot_holyoak

Nye Bevan spoke at the #DurhamMinersGala for the seventh and final time #OnThisDay in 1959. He said: “This movement is going to survive as a democracy, not as a bureaucracy”. Nye passed away ten days before the following year’s Gala, at the age of 62.

Remembering Dave Hopper, who passed away #OnThisDay in 2016, days after his last #DurhamMinersGala. As the DMA said at the time: “Dave was a passionate internationalist and anti-fascist who hated racism of all kinds. He supported all working people fighting oppression.”

📣 LAST CHANCE to get a limited-edition @BobandRoberta print. All proceeds support the Gala. 💥 This year's official print is only available until 5pm today, Weds 16 July. 🤝Collect some art, support the cause. 👉 Order now before the edition closes: friendsofdurhamminersgala.org/2025_gala_art_…

It was an honour to represent the NASUWT at the Durham Miners’ Gala yesterday. Listening to the brass band, the enthusiasm of members as they marched through Durham, and seeing our flags and banners made me immensely proud to be part of this union.

Great celebration of working class solidarity at Durham Miners’ Gala this weekend. Great craic the beer banners and band’s phenomenal. First class speeches. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event!

📣You have until 5pm on Wednesday to get a collectable Durham Miners Gala print by renowned artist @BobandRoberta for the incredible solidarity price of only £50!! 😮 🖼️ We Are Still Here! 🤝 Get a print, support the cause 👉 All proceeds support the Gala friendsofdurhamminersgala.org/2025_gala_art_…