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Memories from a day out at the Durham Miners' Gala

Today we feature more images of the Durham Miners' Gala from days gone by.

By The Newsroom
Thursday, 14th July 2016, 1:13 pm
Updated Thursday, 14th July 2016, 2:14 pm
Bandsmen leading Westoe miners from their assembly point at the Armstrong Hall, South Shields, as they leave for the 1974 Durham Miners' Gala.
Bandsmen leading Westoe miners from their assembly point at the Armstrong Hall, South Shields, as they leave for the 1974 Durham Miners' Gala.

As well as the numerous lodge banners, including those from Harton and Westoe and Boldon collieries, the marchers and the vast crowds, they also show some of the speakers who have addressed the meeting.

They include George Brown, Tony Benn and Hugh Gaitskell.

George Brown, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, gives a thumbs up sign from the balcony of his hotel to the crowds below at Durham Miners' Gala in 1962. Next to him, leaning on the balcony, is Anthony Wedgewood Benn.

Do you remember hearing any of them speak, or any of the other Labour hierarchy who have addressed the crowds over the years?

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What are your abiding memories of attending the Big Meet, especially the sights and the sounds in the historic city?

Led by Mr Paddy Cain, Harton and Westoe miners follow their band and banner through South Shields in 1969 on their way to the Durham Miners' Gala.
Boldon Colliery miners with their band and banners marching through the village in 1980 before setting off by bus for the Gala.
Hugh Gaitskell and other guests and speakers on the balcony of the County Hotel in Durham at the 1958 Gala.
George Brown, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, gives a thumbs up sign from the balcony of his hotel to the crowds below at Durham Miners' Gala in 1962. Next to him, leaning on the balcony, is Anthony Wedgewood Benn.
Led by Mr Paddy Cain, Harton and Westoe miners follow their band and banner through South Shields in 1969 on their way to the Durham Miners' Gala.
Boldon Colliery miners with their band and banners marching through the village in 1980 before setting off by bus for the Gala.
Hugh Gaitskell and other guests and speakers on the balcony of the County Hotel in Durham at the 1958 Gala.