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The Gala is woven into the fabric of our movement
The hard-hit North East is fighting back against austerity and Tory destruction, writes Clare Williams, Unison Northern regional secretary
Clare Williams (centre) celebrates 100 years of women's suffrage at the Durham Women's Gala

Each year, after the Durham Miners’ Gala, new banners are raised and blessed in Durham Cathedral, marched up to that proud old building from the racecourse after much walking, dancing, music and speeches from union and Labour Party people.

Lovingly designed, crafted and prepared in the weeks and months beforehand, these banners represent communities, unions, organisations and everyone else woven into the fabric of our movement and this special festival of Northern working-class identity.

The raising of the banners doesn’t often get the fanfare or attention the colliery bands receive but it’s always moving. The blessing of the banners is at the heart of the Durham Miners’ Gala.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
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