This week sees the official launch event of our ‘Marras’ campaign with County Durham 
born actor Alun Armstrong. Our aim is to get lots of people to become a friend (or ‘marra’) of Durham Miners’ Gala, so that together, we can secure the future of the Big Meeting.
Alun says: “I’m proud to support the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala and the Marras campaign. All the money raised will go to paying for the logistical costs of running the Gala and sponsoring bands.
It is amazing that the Gala goes from strength to strength even though the last pit closed 22-years-ago. Then, everyone thought the Gala would fold but the people of the county have been joined by trades unionists from all over Britain and beyond.
It is phenomenal that people still value their culture, heritage and communal values in such a positive display of solidarity. It makes me even more proud to be from the North East and the son of a miner. It’s that pride that I’m sure brings people back to the Gala year after year, generation after generation.”
The ‘Marras’ launch event with Alun and others will take place this Thursday afternoon at 1pm in Durham Town Hall. We’ll also have a wonderful brass band playing as well as some beautiful Durham miners’ banners on display. So, please do come along and show your support if you can.
And finally, you can now find all the details of the various cultural and political events taking place around the Gala this week on our website:
www.friendsofdurhamminersgala.org/events
Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala
http://www.friendsofdurhamminersgala.org/
