AN iconic celebration of the union movement is the subject of a feature film at Leyburn Arts Centre.
Every second Saturday in July, the Durham Miners' Gala city takes over the city. Its streets are thronged with trade unionists and activists, the genteel quiet of this historic old town is disturbed by the sound of brass, chants and speeches.
Attracting 200,000 people, countless banners and brass bands, the Gala is an annual celebration of noise, colour and solidarity, of class culture, creativity and endeavour parade through the streets to honour their heritage.
Daniel Draper's “The Big Meeting” reflects the past, present and future of the Gala and Labour Movement, while following four protagonists over the course of the occasion.
Explaining what drew him to this unconventional story of British trade unionism, he said: “I hadn’t experienced anything like it before.
“My first trip was back in 2016 when we were filming for our first documentary and I was overcome by the noise, colour and culture on show. It’s beyond words.
“Making 'The Big Meeting' helped me understand that I had an appreciation for the culture that miners created rather than the work they did. We made a conscious decision to show how mining was really an awful job – dangerous and exploitative - but that what those communities created was a times beautiful.”
The documentary will be screened at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre in their monthly Exploring Film slot at 7pm on Tuesday, March 10.
Leyburn Band represent the GMB at the Gala are the pre-screening background music. Unfortunately, the Centre doesn't have room to accommodate the band itself.
Bookings can be made via the Centre's website or 01969 624510.
n The film contains a sequence of flashing lights which may affect those susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.
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