The 138th Durham Miners' Gala took place on Saturday - with a carnival atmosphere created by bands, marching and banners drowning out the abysmal weather. 

Rain clouds and umbrellas marked were the main features of the day, but it didn't stop thousands of people descending on Durham City for this year's Gala. 

While the rain fell, ponchos and raincoats went on, but the carnival-style atmosphere didn't stop, as the bands played plenty of familiar tunes, including a rendition of 'Football's Coming Home', 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and some hymns. 

People from across the region and beyond travelled to the historic city with banners and brass bands to create a colourful carnival atmosphere - with a big Scottish contingent present, while East Midlands and Yorkshire branches of mining groups also featured heavily. 

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

After the marches, there were speaking opportunities for Christina McAnea, General Secretary, Unison, Ian Lavery, former miner, president of the NUM and MP for Wansbeck, Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the FBU, Mick Whelan, General Secretary of Aslef, and Heather Wood from Women Against Pit Closures.

Former Labour leader and current independent MP Jeremy Corby returned to the event - where he was warmly welcomed by speakers and members of the public alike.

We have pieced together 84 images from the 2024 Gala - please enjoy!