October 24, 2024 -  Forty miners’ banners from across County Durham’s mining communities have gone on display in Durham Cathedral to mark the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85.

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 the local mining communities have strong links dating back to the 1800s and the exhibition tells the story of the region’s mining heritage and is a celebration of the large colourful banners from around the region.

Revd Canon Michael Hampel, Vice-Dean and Precentor of Durham Cathedral, said:

“Durham Cathedral has been a feature of Durham’s landscape for over 900 years. It’s strong and resilient and the mining communities of County Durham were also strong and resilient which is why they still come to the Cathedral year after year at the Gala 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. As we witness our mining heritage, we remember past hurts and pray for healing. And we celebrate all that has been and all that will be.”

The display is a partnership with with the Durham Mining Communities Banner Groups Association and Redhills, Durham and features forty miners’ banners from different colliery lodges or community groups.

Patricia Simmons from the Durham Mining Communities Banner Groups Association 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 and the stories they portray.

“We 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 have today.

Throughout the country the Durham Miners Gala is one of the finest displays of these beautiful storytelling Banners that form part of our Heritage. 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 but looking to the future.”

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

The exhibition will run until 7 November. There is no admission charge to enter the cathedral. To help support the work of the cathedral and the care of its buildings for future generations a £5 donation is encouraged.

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