Durham Miner's Gala

[ncbnik]

Next Saturday (8th July) is the 137th Gala. A great day and it brings back fond memories of when most prominent mining areas had their own event.
Railway station at Durham is about 20 mins walk away but, if you go by rail, get tickets in advance asap; fares on the day are much dearer.

 

[RobinGriffiths]

Oof. And I'm up in Durham next weeked and all.

 

[PeteHall]

Happy memories! Amazing atmosphere and a real cultural experience!

I worked behind the bar in city centre pubs for a number of gala days. Absolute carnage! We'd fill the cellar to bursting point and everything was priced in whole pounds to keep the service as quick as possible.

Keeping the barrels swapped when they were empty was pretty much as busy a job as serving the beer!

By the end of the day, we'd be sold out of everything!

Rail is definitely a the best way in, as every layby, verge or gateway would be blocked with parked cars for miles out of town.

 

[ncbnik]

Despite the odd shower - a good day. A couple of pics; lads from the Kent coalfield and one of the bands leaving the Cathedral after the service.