A LONG-HELD festive tradition is revived at the home of the Pitman’s Parliament this weekend.

Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) is bringing back its one-time annual Christmas Concert, in the impressive setting of its headquarters building at Redhills, in Flass Street.

For many years, the concert was a highlight of the festive season for DMA members and their families, who would head to Redhills for a special seasonal brass band performance.

Featuring the sounds of the DMA Brass Band, it returns to Redhills on Saturday, and is open to all-comers.

It is being staged as a fundraiser for The Redhills Appeal, a DMA campaign to restore the Grade II-listed Durham Miners’ Hall, popularly known as the Pitman’s Parliament.

The 1915-built hall is in need of refurbishment to enable the association to use it for cultural, educational and heritage events long into the future.

DMA chairman Joe Whitworth said: “We look forward to welcoming the public to our home on Saturday for a wonderful evening of music with the DMA Brass Band.

“The concert was a festive highlight for many Durham miners and their families, and we’re delighted that it is returning as a public event.

“We hope it will be the first of many, and the DMA Christmas Concert will once again become a highlight of the festive season.”

It follows a successful concert by pit-pop, folk-rock band Dennis, backed by the Houghton Area Youth Band, also in aid of the appeal, last Saturday.

All proceeds from the event will go to The Redhills Appeal, with tickets, costing £5, available from Redhills, online via www.redhillsdurham.org, or on the door, on the night.

Doors open, with refreshments available from 5.15pm, while the concert begins at 6pm.