Durham Miners’ Gala 2025 – all the timings for event
Commonly known as ‘The Big Meeting’, it is the largest trades union rally of its kind in Europe and features parade of banners from former colliery communities across the country.
It will take place in the city on Saturday, June 12 with people gathering from the morning.
Brass band music fills the air before political speeches are made on the Racecourse, where communities congregate.
The Gala became a point of contention earlier this year following Reform UK’s sweeping win in May’s local council election. Nigel Farage’s insurgent party took control of Durham County Council in a historic victory.
Gala organisers said the party would not be formally invited to sit on the platform, although no one would be banned from attending the wider event. It left deputy council leader Darren Grimes feeling ‘hurt’ as he launched into a war of words with the organising group.
Here are the key timings to help plan your day:
8.30am Banner groups and bands gather in Durham city centre’s Market Place.
Other assembly points include Whitechurch pub on the west of the city.
From the initial assembly points, groups proceed towards a focal point of the Gala – the County Hotel at Old Elvet.
The procession can take a few hours to pass the County Hotel due to the huge numbers attending and the frequent pauses at the hotel for bands to play their ‘party piece’ for invited guests on the hotel’s balcony.
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1pm Durham Miners’ Association chairman Stephen Guy opens The Big Meeting, and guest speakers address the crowd.
The DMA announced that Palestinian ambassador Husam Zomlot would be one of the speakers on the platform.
2.30pm The procession of bands and banners begins making its way to Durham Cathedral.
3pm New banners are blessed during the Miners’ Festival Service at Durham Cathedral.