Durham City's annual Miner's Gala, which dates back over a century, is a good natured political rally that doubles as a family day out. The pits are gone now but communities built around them remain and preserve their spirit and traditions, such as colliery bands, partly thanks to events such as the "Big Meeting" which still attracts labour representatives from all over the world. In spite of having lived in Durham for some years I had never been to the Gala until 1996 when I filmed it for Durham Heritage Centre and Museum. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I thoroughly enjoyed it again in 2008 when these pictures were taken.
P1020122. Having assembled at the New Inn Fishburn colliery band advances purposefully along Church Street. Fishburn is acknowledged as one of the best bands in County Durham, which is no small accomplishment, and their CD Durham's Pride, made the perfect soundtrack for the Heritage Centre film (used with permission of course). Check it out.
P1020131. A few minutes later on Elvet Riverside Chilton aren't far behind Fishburn and approaching Old Elvet traffic lights...
P1020151. ...where everything grinds to a halt.
P1020147. There are three marching routes towards the Racecourse and they all come together at the east end of Elvet Bridge. Clearly this obvious bottleneck is the perfect place for each band in turn to stop for a few minutes and play for the speakers and other dignitaries watching from the balcony of the Royal County Hotel on Old Elvet.
P1020152. The backlog building up on Elvet Bridge. I should think the gentleman on the left has a refreshing bottle of milk in that green carrier.
P1020157. Elvet Bridge with nothing moving.
P1020170. No-one minds the jam of course. On Saddler Street looking back towards the Market Place Chopwell Lodge band takes its turn to entertain the crowds. They played "Y.M.C.A." if memory serves.
P1020193. Looking east along Elvet Bridge towards Old Elvet and the Racecourse.
P1020201. Looking along Old Elvet from the bridge.
P1020206. Chilton having just finished playing the traditional tune "Rock Around the Clock".
P1020209. From Old Elvet looking back past the Royal County and along Elvet Bridge.
P1020212. Focusing on the Bridge from the same viewpoint. I'm told the crowds were much greater when the pits were open but it seems hard to credit.
P1020228. Coxhoe Bridge Drift pass Shire Hall on Old Elvet.
P1020245. It's not all brass bands. These pipers, turning towards the Racecourse, escorted the Dawdon Lodge banner.
GalaPanorama. The Racecourse at around 11am when most of the bands had arrived. This photograph has been printed in The Durham Times.
P1020269.
P1020278. Resting the feet (and lungs no doubt) after the march down.
P1020285.
P1020312. Looking back along elvet Bridge again after the speeches as some of the bands make their way back to the Market Place. Some will go on to Palace Green to enter the Cathedral.
P1020317. Pausing for more music in the Market Place.
P1020337. The Morpeth pipers on Palace Green.
P1020358. Eppleton Lodge playing on Palace Green.
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