COALFIELD communities and trade unionists are gathering in the region today for one of the largest shows of socialist solidarity in Europe.

Durham Miners’ Gala gets underway with banner groups and brass bands assembling in Market Place from around 8.30am.

They will form a procession, pausing to play for dignitaries at the County Hotel, before marching to the racecourse, near the River Wear, for the 134th Big Meeting.

A huge new stage and screens have been put up on the Gala show field to allow people to see and hear speeches from politicians and trade unionists.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is once again taking part, said: “The Durham Miners’ Gala is the biggest event in the labour movement’s calendar and the country’s greatest demonstration of community, solidarity, and working class culture.

“The Big Meeting brings hundreds of thousands of people together in celebration of our values, our history, and our hopes for a better future.”

Gala stalwart Dennis Skinner, Emily Thornberry and Ian Lavery will be among those addressing the crowds before music from singer-songwriter Billy Bragg.

The Gala is also expected to feature noisy protests from groups demonstrating against the arrival of the controversial US president in the country and a 40ft anti-Trump poster was unfurled at Durham Miners’ Association at Redhills on Friday.

Frances O’Grady, the general secretary of the TUC, will use her speech to call for new deal for working people in the region.

She said: “Spending cuts are devastating this region. Durham County Council’s budget been slashed by hundreds of millions since 2010.

“The picture is the same across the North-East, vital services are being stretched to breaking point.

“Working people deserve better than this. They need public services they can rely on and that allow communities to thrive.

“Schools, hospitals and local government cannot be run on the cheap.”

The Gala, which is organised by Durham Miners’ Association dates back to 1871, and this year marks 25 anniversary of the closure of the last pit in the county.

In his annual address, association secretary Alan Cummings said: “We need unity because the economic crisis is creating real suffering forcing us to fight on two fronts.

“Politically to break from the past, to reverse the flow of wealth to the privileged and rich to create a society where the strong look after the weak and everyone receives the full fruits of their labour.

“At the same time, within our communities, to protect the sick and disabled against the cruel consequences of the Tory’s austerity and give them practical assistance.

“We have every reason to believe that we can achieve this.

“The hundreds of thousands of young people flocked to the Labour Party because they saw in the new leadership a break from careerists, the self-serving and the insincere.

“At this Gala, this great expression of community and collective action let us unite and renew our determination to fight for a truly socialist society.”

Around 200,000 people are expected to attend the event and roads in the city centre are being closed to traffic.

Families will also be able to enjoy browsing the stalls on the racecourse and there are fun fair rides and attractions for children.

Police will be offering wristbands for youngsters and vulnerable people to help if they get lost in the crowds.

Superintendent Colin Williamson, from Durham Constabulary, said: “With good weather forecast for much of the day, we’re expecting large crowds at this year’s event.

“Our officers will be on patrol throughout the city to help keep everyone safe and ensure everyone who attends has a fantastic time.

“For the first time, there will be CCTV cameras on the show field to help with any disorder, and wristbands will again be available to help locate any children or vulnerable people who get lost in the crowds.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone on Saturday, and hope everyone who attends has a safe and enjoyable day.”