Durham Miners' Gala 2021 cancelled by organisers as they deem the risks too high

This year’s Durham Big Meeting has been cancelled as its organisers look to keep its followers safe.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 27th Feb 2021, 10:26 BST

Updated 27th Feb 2021, 10:27 BST

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After last year’s was axed due to the pandemic and celebrations moved online, the 2021 gathering on Saturday, July 10, was to be the 150th Gala.

But after Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) held discussions with partners, it says it has “reluctantly” decided it cannot go ahead.

Nostalgic scenes from the Echo archives of the Durham Miners Gala as the 'Big Me...

Banner groups have been told they will receive double the band allowance for 2022 to make up for the financial stresses of the Covid crisis.

Banner groups have been told they will receive double the band allowance for 2022 to make up for the financial stresses of the Covid crisis.

In a letter, secretary Alan Mardghum said: “The executive committee of the DMA felt we could not ask all of our partners in local government, the police, health services and banner groups to forge on towards our great day while the possibility of it being allowed to go ahead – with or without social distancing measures – seems less and less likely.

"Furthermore, we would be asking thousands of people to commit time, money and resources which they can ill afford.

"The Prime Minister’s roadmap to Covid recovery made difficult reading for this year’s 150th Gala year.

"The key part of the timetable is June 21, which is the very earliest that the government says large public events could again be possible.

The Big Meeting gathers on the racecourse for speeches following the procession through Durham city centre.

The Big Meeting gathers on the racecourse for speeches following the procession through Durham city centre.

"That would leave a mere three weeks for us to mobilise or cancel the Gala which, as always, was scheduled for the second Saturday in July.

“It was felt that the risk factors are too great to commit bands, banners and hard-pressed public services to the complex organisation of the Gala while the possibility of having to cancel the event is still very high.

"We are also conscious that many of our Gala stalwarts may have been isolating for a year or so.

"Even with broadscale vaccinations, many may feel unsure about returning to large crowds.

“2021 is the 150th anniversary year of the Gala and we are determined to keep the flame alive.”

Local events will be held, with sponsorship from The Marras, the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala, while banner groups will get double band allowance in 2022.

Mr Mardghum added: “We are aware that this is not the best of news but the DMA’s top priority is to keep our members and supporters safe and secure during these troubled times.

“We will be back in 2022 with biggest and best Gala ever and we look forward to seeing you all there.”

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