FILM director and political activist Ken Loach is to speak at this year’s Durham Miners’ Gala.

Durham Miners’ Association has confirmed the veteran filmmaker will be among the main speakers from the platform at the Big Meeting on Saturday, July 8.

Already acclaimed for films including Cathy Come Home and Kes, his most recent movie I, Daniel Blake was set in Newcastle and centred on the experience of people trapped in the social security benefits system.

A spokesman for the Durham Miners’ Association said: “We are very pleased that he will join us at this year’s Durham Big Meeting, which remains the largest working-class festival in Britain.”