Durham Miners’ Gala faces extinction due to lack of funds

The Durham Miners’ Gala – set to take place tomorrow – might not have enough funds to continue beyond next year.

The Gala first began in 1871, making this its 130th year – counting those where it was cancelled due to WWI and the 1920s and 1984-5 miner’s strikes. It was a product of the Durham Miners’ Association and became the largest unofficial miners and trade union gather. It celebrates County Durham’s mining history but also embraces the wider, international trade union movement.. This year, for instance, Ukranian miners will also be at the event.

Two years ago, Ed Miliband became the first Labour leader in 23 years to speak at the Gala, and this year it’s said the event could draw a record number of people

However, the association said it is struggling to cover the cost of the event – particularly as it lost £2.2 million in legal fees after it failed to win a six year-court battle for former miners who have arthritis in their knees.

Organiser Dave Hopper, general secretary of the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), told north east newspaper, The Journal:

“It’s obviously safe this year and next year but we will be continuing the appeal and we think that there is going to be a very big turn out on Saturday.”

“We haven’t had coal miners for twenty years. You can’t get blood from a stone. This year and next will be secured but it’s an ongoing situation and we will be campaigning for support again and if it’s forthcoming then it’s all very well, but if it’s not we will have to seriously look at the future.”

The Miners’ Gala sees brass bands and trade union banners fill the streets of Durham – it’s a true celebration of international trade unionism. We hope that it’s a tradition that continues well beyond 2015…