Della McKenzie Collins: Durham Big Meeting

Last weekend Simon was working so me and Della took a trip up to Durham.

We timed it well as it was Durham Big Meeting or the miners Gala as it is also called. You can find more information about it here should you wish: http://www.durhamminers.org/

Basically all the colliery's from the county Durham area, and further afield, come to Durham to march with their banner and their band. It's traditionally a trade union event which involves each colliery marching past the County hotel where the leader of the labour party would have waited to applaud them and offer some political debate. they then march to the show field for a celebration altogether. Traditionally everyone got really quite drunk and the shops would not open due to the risk of fighting and trouble. Although we didn't hang around into the night it was good to see that the tradition of opening up a can at 9am to celebrate and enjoy music hasn't died! Over the years it has become more of a celebration of mining culture and especially important to those form mining families (like my own) to celebrate miners.

Interestingly this year it very much felt like the trade unionists were back - Unison, Unite, several teachers unions and so on marching with banners (although no band). I wasn't sure what I thought of this...

It was a brilliant day though and we luckily the first band we caught as we arrived was from Sacriston - my village and a few of my family members were marching alongside the band. Della was quite surprised at think at first and this was a gentle introduction to the day - at the end of this you will see my mam spot her sisters...

Here Della walks with Aunty Emily

I'm not sure if there is anything more beautiful than the river, the bridge and Durham cathedral standing tall behind.

This was the piping band my dad's favourite - Della was all in shock at this appoint at the noise and sheer volume of people and musical instruments!

As I mentioned - a more recent banner...

Here are a few videos of the music and crowds at 'the steps' a place where those who get there early get a good spot as the band always stops to entertain the crowd with new renditions of songs from people like the Kaiser chiefs and older more rousing traditional brass band tunes. It can get quite emotional...

It was a hot day so every now and again we needed to duck out of the crowds and have a little sit down to re-fuel with juice and snacks - mainly me and my increasing tummy!!