Organisers of Durham Miners’ Gala have confirmed the arrangements in place for this year’s annual celebration of working class culture and left wing politics.
The 137th Big Meeting, as the Gala is also known, is the largest socialist event of its kind in Europe.
It features speeches on the racecourse, as well as brass band music through the streets, fun fair rides and stalls.
Around 200,000 people are expected to attend the event in Durham on Saturday July 8.
Who will be speaking?
• Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC
• Zarah Sultana MP
• Fran Heathcote, President, PCS
• Sarah Woolley, General Secretary, BFAWU
• Sara Bryson, Tyne & Wear Citizens Assembly
• Alan Mardghum, General Secretary, DMA
Stephen Guy, chairman of the DMA, who will oversee proceedings He said: “We are proud to dedicate the 2023 Gala to all workers in struggle and to those organising to defend their communities from the policies of this cruel and incompetent government.
“We urge everyone to rise up join and union and join the fight for a better society for all.
“All our platform speakers support those taking action in their workplaces and in their communities and I’m sure they will all inspire us to take up the task.”
How will the event affect traffic in Durham city centre?
Road closures will be in place from 4am to enable coalfield community representatives and trade unionists to march through the city’s streets.
The redevelopment of the city’s bus station means that the Gala cannot parade down the traditional North Road route this year.
Framwelgate Waterside will be used for groups who would traditionally use North Road.
No other groups or Gala routes are affected.
Where are the meeting points for travelling in by coach?
Durham Miners Association has said Redhills, Durham Miners Hall, is closed for refurbishment and cannot be used as a meeting point for any groups.
In a slight adjustment to arrangements, new coach parking bays will be in place along Framwelgate Waterside and should be used for dropping off groups, who can then walk around to form up at the bottom of North Road.
Coaches can then park at Sidegate car park, the designated coach parking area for Gala.
Later in the day, groups can return to their coaches along Framwelgate Waterside, where coach bays will be provided.
DMA secretary Alan Mardghum said: “The thanks of the DMA goes to everyone at Durham County Council and the emergency services who work with us year round to help us ensure the Gala is as safe as possible.
“The safety of everyone who attends the Gala is our first priority.
“I urge everyone who is joining us on the day, either as participants or spectators to co-operate with our staff, stewards and partners working on the day.
“We look forward to seeing everyone again in Durham on the second Saturday in July.”
Can I bring my car?
The city centre will be closed to traffic from 5am on Gala day.
Visitors are encouraged to use the three large park and ride facilities at Sniperley, Howlands Farm and Belmont.
Coaches will be able to park at Sidegate car park or Belmont park and ride.
What are the key timings?
Banner groups are expected to arrive in the city from 8am.
The speeches will begin on the Racecourse at 1pm.
The Miners Festival Service at Durham Cathedral will begin at 3pm.
What about accommodation?
For those who wish to stay over, the official Gala campsite is available at Houghall Campus just a short walk from the festivities.
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