Memories from a day out at the Durham Miners' Gala

By The Newsroom
Published 28th Feb 2019, 14:03 GMT

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

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.

Bandsmen leading Westoe miners from their assembly point at the Armstrong Hall, South Shields, as they leave for the 1974 Durham Miners' Gala.placeholder image
Bandsmen leading Westoe miners from their assembly point at the Armstrong Hall, South Shields, as they leave for the 1974 Durham Miners' Gala.

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.placeholder image
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?

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

Related topics:MemoriesWestoeBoldonLabour
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