Durham Big Meeting

DURHAM BIG MEETING.

DURHAM Miners Gala in July is an annual exaltation of trade unionism and tribalism and is known locally as the Big Meeting.  It was first held in 1871 when hard-working men, women and children struggled in dangerous and crippling conditions to extract the coal that fuelled the Industrial Revolution and the British Empire.

Various Acts of Parliament stopped women working underground and gradually raised the minium working age.  The Big Meeting quickly became the largest unofficial trade union gathering in Britain.  The only times that it has not been held was during the two World Wars and the strikes of 1921, 1922, 1922 and 1984-85.

The normally peaceful ancient city of Durham is taken over by thousands of excited people, either taking part in the parade or watching.  Even though the last mine in Co Durham closed many years ago, scores of pit banners are escorted through the streets.

Originally miners and their families would walk from their pit villages to Durham, then they began travelling by train and later, bus.  Now most people go by car.  Everyone would be wearing their best clothes and intent on having a good day out, though there was rarely any trouble.

Miners from each pit, followed by their banner and brass band would proceed to the Racecourse where the guest speakers would be waiting

Until recently the Big Meeting would be attended by the leader and other senior members of the Labour Party.  Even today many socialists and trade union officials still attend as guest speakers.

Almost everyone attends the Miners Festival Service in Durham Cathedral where new and restored pit banners are blessed and those who lost their lives underground are remembered.

The Big Meeting offers people from across the country, not merely the county to pay tribute and give thanks to those people whose courage and hard work played such a large part in our nation’s history.