Durham Miners Gala 2022 – official film to premiere

The official film of the 2022 Durham Miners Gala will premiere on Sunday evening (20 November 2022).

After a three-year absence due to Covid 19, the Gala returned in style. It was the biggest Big Meeting in decades – and film crews were there to capture it all.

More than 200,000 people packed the streets of Durham and almost 70 Durham miners banners paraded, accompanied by more than 50 brass bands – the most at any Gala since the 1960s.

The Gala was dedicated to all our keyworkers who got us through the pandemic. Keyworkers were the Durham Miners Association’s guests of honour, taking pride of place on the balcony of the County Hotel and the speakers platform on the Racecourse. In a Gala first, two rank and file key workers spoke alongside the leaders of trade unions representing key workers.

Commissioned by the Durham Miners Association (DMA) and the Friends of Durham Miners Gala, the short film captures the sights and sounds throughout Gala day.

Filmed in an observational style, it features the bands, the banners, the people, the speeches, and the Cathedral service.

It reminds us why Gala day is the greatest day of the year.


The 15-minute film will premiere live on the Gala’s Facebook and YouTube channels at 7pm on Sunday 20 November – the anniversary of the founding of the DMA in 1869.

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch on Facebook here.


The costs of hosting the Gala are rising sharply and more support is needed. Your Gala needs you!

If you are able to chip in, please join our band of ‘Marras’ today here.