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Lancashire Times
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1:00 AM 29th October 2024
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A Durham Day With A Difference

Miners’ banners from across the region have gone on display at Durham Cathedral to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike.

The colourful banners are displayed around the cathedral as part of an exhibition called, Solidarity Forever: Banners of the Durham Mining Community, a poignant and powerful display celebrating the resilience and heritage of County Durham’s mining communities.

Durham Cathedral and local pit communities have strong links dating back to the 1800s and the exhibition tells the story of their mining heritage.

The display, in collaboration with the Durham Mining Communities Banner Groups Association (DMCBGA) and Redhills, Durham, showcases 40 huge miners’ banners, each telling its own unique story of struggle, solidarity, and survival.

Each has been lovingly hand-painted, each rich in history and symbolism.

Patricia Simmons from the DMCBGA said:“We are encouraging the former mining communities and the younger generation, to recognise the importance that these vibrant and colourful banners have in the history of Durham through the stories they tell.

“The Group’s aim is to restore the many original banners or to replace with new banners, in order to celebrate the lives of miners both past and present who, despite overcoming many adversities, formed the thriving communities we (still) have today.

“Throughout the country the Durham Miners Gala is one of the finest displays of these beautiful storytelling banners. To be able to have this exhibition in the historical grandeur of Durham Cathedral demonstrates how committed we are in continuing to celebrate the past whilst still looking to the future.”

All of the banners have been paraded through the streets of Durham on Gala Day which takes place on the second Saturday in July every year, and each has been blessed at the cathedral during a special Miners Festival Service which has taken place every year since 1897.

Revd Canon Michael Hampel, Vice-Dean and Precentor of Durham Cathedral, said: “The Cathedral has been a feature of Durham’s landscape for over 900 years.

“It is strong and resilient in the same way that the mining communities of County Durham were also strong and resilient, explaining why they still come to the Cathedral year after year, at Gala time, to give thanks to God for the past and look with hope to the future.

“The mines have gone but the people survive and so do their banners.”

Visitors have the opportunity to see the hand-painted silk banners up close, gaining insight into the region's mining heritage and learning more about the communities that still stand together today.

The exhibition remains on display inside the cathedral until Thursday 7 November. There is no admission charge to enter the cathedral, however, a £5 donation is encouraged.

For more information about the exhibition visit: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk