Countdown to the 2024 Durham Miners’ Gala: What’s happening in and around Gala time.
The 2024 Durham Miners’ Gala is almost here, and the excitement is palpable. This year, there is a jam-packed lineup of events leading up to the big meeting day and soon after. From thought-provoking talks to brass bands and riveting plays, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening:
- Durham Brass Festival
When: July 5-13, 2024
Where: Various locations in Durham
The Durham Brass Festival is back, and it’s bringing the streets alive with the sound of music. This year, don’t miss the Redhills Youth Brass Band as they perform in the Streets of Brass and at Wharton Park’s Big Brass Bash on 6th July. It’s going to be a blast with vibrant performances that will get everyone in the party mood!
- History of Sacriston Event with Professor John Tomaney
When: July 9, 2024
Where: Sacriston WMC
Time: 6:30 PM
Join Professor John Tomaney for an intriguing evening as he takes us through the history of Sacriston from 1839 to 1945. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the local heritage and the events that shaped the community. Reserve your seat here
- Miners, Trade Unions, and Social Conditions in South Africa since the Fall of Apartheid: A Talk by Sean Figg
When: July 9, 2024
Where: People’s Bookshop, Durham
Time: 7:00 PM
We have an enlightening talk by Sean Figg at the People’s Bookshop. Sean will discuss the changes and challenges miners and trade unions faced in South Africa since the end of apartheid. This is a fascinating dive into a fascinating topic for anyone interested in social justice and global labour movements. The event is co-sponsored by the Ruth First Educational Trust (Durham University) and Durham Miners Association. The Ruth First Educational Trust is named after the campaigning journalist, writer, anti-apartheid activist and Durham University Sociology lecturer who was assassinated in August 1982 by a letter bomb sent by the South African police. Get your tickets here
- We’re Not Going Back
When: July 11, 2024, at The Assembly Rooms Theatre; July 16, 2024, at The Hetton Centre
Time: 7:00 PM
Experience the spirit of the miners’ strike with the powerful play “We’re Not Going Back.” This performance, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the miners’ strike in 2014, is a moving tribute to history, community, and resilience. Whether you catch it at The Assembly Rooms Theatre or The Hetton Centre, it’s a show you won’t want to miss. More details and tickets are available here.
5. Sunderland Film Club presents… The Miners’ Hymns + Performance
When: Thursday 18th July, 7pm, Tickets £5 at Arts Centre Washington
Combining rarely-seen archive footage with a score inspired by the region’s brass bands, Morrison and composer Jóhann Jóhannsson’s lyrical film is a testament to the vibrancy of the North East’s mining communities and their culture. Documenting the hardships of pit life, the power of community organising and the legacy of mining on the area, every moment of The Miners Hymns is imbued with a rich, emotional potency.
The historic Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band and local folk icon Bill Elliott will be performing after the film.
Here’s the event page: https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/sunderland-film-club-presents-the-miners-hymns/