123rd Durham Miners Gala 2007

The Durham Miners Gala is in it's 123rd year. This longstanding tradition of parading mining villages’ banners to the sounds of brass bands has been an important part of Durham’s history - this year is no exception.

I went to the Gala every year until i was around 13 - 14 years old. My grandfather and uncles were miners and they would march under there banners every year without fail.

I took my 9 year old daughter and had a bit of a struggle explaining what it was all about. She understands all about mining and that it's all gone now. What she can't understand is why the miners gala still exists when there are no mines left.

I've often thought the same thing but after attending again after all these years i realise it's all about your family history and where you come from.