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126th Durham Miners' Gala
TENS of thousands of people filled Durham's historic streets on Saturday for the 126th Miners' Gala. Heritage mixed with harmonies and high politics as the weather largely stayed fine for what has long been one of the stand-out dates in many diaries. Despite the pit closures and many of the region's brass bands struggling for players, the Gala, also known as the Durham Big Meeting, has grown in strength in recent years. This year, more than 70 banners - from mining and other industries - were paraded through the city, led by more than 40 bands from across the North.
