Tens of thousands of people are currently arriving to take part in the 138th Durham Miners’ Gala, the North East’s annual celebration of former colliery communities and left-wing politics.

People from across the region and beyond are travelling to the historic city with banners and brass bands to create a colourful carnival atmosphere.

As well as parading through the city’s cobbled streets there will be fairground rides for children as well as a range of stalls at Durham Racecourse.

This year the Big Meeting is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike, the UK’s most bitter and divisive industrial dispute.  

Up to 200,000 are expected with speeches from trade union leaders taking place at 1pm.

Fire Brigades’ Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “As we gather in our thousands for the Durham Big Meeting, the UK is at a turning point.

“After more than fourteen year of cuts, falling wages and authoritarianism, Labour must deliver hope and justice.

“The trade union movement will be central to building a better future, advancing the interests of working people through struggle. 

“We also mark the fortieth anniversary of the miners’ strike, when miners faced the brutal force of the state to crush the strikers and their communities.

“Thousands were arrested or injured by police.

“We call on the Labour government to take this historic opportunity to do what’s right by announcing a plan to quash their convictions and offer compensation.”

Durham Miners’ Gala, the biggest trade union of its kind in Europe, dates back to 1871 when it was first held in Wharton Park.

Road closures are in place across the city and people travelling to the Gala are advised to use park and ride services.

The hugely popular Miners Festival Service at Durham Cathedral, which takes place at 3pm, has been part of every Gala since 1897.

This year two new banners will be blessed as part of the cathedral by the acting Bishop of Durham, the Rt Revd Sarah Clark.

The new banners are Deaf Hill, which will be accompanied North Lakes Band, and Wheatley Hill with GT Group Peterlee Band.

The Durham Miners Association (DMA) Brass Band will lead the bands and banners and play during the service.

The Rt Revd Nick Baines, the Bishop of Leeds will preach the sermon.

Simon Kennedy, Regional Secretary for the teachers union NASUWT, will give the annual address on behalf of the DMA, and Mary Kelly Foy MP, member of parliament for the City of Durham will do a Bible reading.

County Durham poet Bernadette McAloon will read her poem Coaly Widow, a commemoration of the West Stanley disaster that claimed the lives of 168 miners.

The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, the Dean of Durham, said: "I am looking forward to welcoming people from across our great County to the Miners Festival Service. 
“Coal was once mined just across the river from Durham Cathedral and we continue to celebrate an industry and a culture which helped make County Durham the proud community it is. 

“This year we will also be marking the fortieth anniversary of the Miners’ Strike and the service will include an Act of Remembrance in which we bring before God memories of accomplishment - but also pain and loss."

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DMA chairman Stephen Guy said the service at Durham Cathedral is a ‘highly valued highlight’ of Gala day.

He said: “Our thanks to everyone at the cathedral for their friendship and support and for hosting this service that recognises the sacrifice and achievements of our coalfield communities.”

The service is always very popular and people are advised to arrive in good time. Doors open at 1.30pm.

The service will also be live-streamed on Durham Cathedral’s YouTube page here.