Organizers of the Durham Miners’ Gala have announced that the event will be dedicated to all key workers upon his return next year.
The Durham Miners Gala was scheduled to take place on July 10 but was canceled for the second year in a row due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the first Gala.
When the Gala returns in 2022, key workers will take center stage. Caregivers and bus drivers, delivery men and nurses, store staff and teachers, all of those who have risked their lives to keep society running throughout the pandemic will be celebrated.
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Until then, the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) will work and campaign to make the Gala a massive demonstration of public support for our heroes in the pandemic.
The DMA is working with union branches across the country to attract people to Durham and is calling on the public to come together in greater numbers than ever to support key workers across the country.
Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the DMA, said: “In addition to being a great celebration of the spirit of our communities and our proud heritage, the Gala has always been a rallying point in the fight for social justice.
“The central issue of the first Gala was the fight to end child labor. This battle was won.
“Today, we are determined to play our part in bringing justice to key workers. As the pandemic has shown so clearly, they are what our society really needs.
“We are proud to dedicate the Gala to them and urge everyone to join us in Durham in 2022 to demand the improved pay and conditions they so deserve.”
Before the pandemic, only two world wars and two national strikes had stopped the march of the Gala.
This year, the 150th anniversary of the Gala will be celebrated at a series of community events over the summer.
More than a dozen communities across the region have organized “small big meetings” to bring people together in the spirit of the Gala.
The Gala is scheduled to return to the streets of Durham on Saturday July 9, 2022. Everyone is invited to support its return by joining the “Marras”.
The gala has been funded by subscription and donation through the Friends of Durham Miners Gala (FODMG) since the mines closed.
Those who contribute are known as “Marras”, a term used by the miners of Durham to refer to a friend who can be counted on in time of need.
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