Durham Miners Association (DMA) presents...

GALA FUNDRAISER

with Eddie Dempsey and the RMT Fishburn Band

Join the DMA at the historic Redhills - Durham Miners Hall.

An evening of brass band music with the fantastic RMT Fishburn Band, plus we'll hear from RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey, a great platform speaker at last year's Gala. Eddie will be joined by DMA Chairman Stephen Guy and City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy. And tickets are free (with the option to pay for a ticket or make a donation).

Everyone is welcome, and we are offering free tickets. If you wish you can also choose a ticket for £5, £10 or £15, or you can make a donation when you check out. All proceeds will go to the Marras - Friends of Durham Miners Gala to help fund the 2026 Gala.


 You can also make a donation on the evening when we will also be selling a range of fantastic Gala merch. All proceeds will go to help fund the 140th Durham Miners Gala on Saturday 11 July 2026.

Doors open at 6.30pm and the event will get underway at 7pm. RMT Fishburn Band will get us underway with their first set, before we hear from Eddie, Stephen and Mary. Following an interval, the band will play a second set.

Friday 27 February 2026 • Redhills – Durham Miners Hall • Flass Street • Durham DH1 4BE • Doors 6.30pm. Event: 7pm – 10.00pm

Please feel free to book a free place. If you'd like to make a donation, use the option to book a paid-for ticket or enter an amount of your choice. Please do register so we can anticipate numbers expected.

• For more than a century, the Gala was funded by the working miners of the Durham coalfield. It is their gift to us all. Following the closure of the collieries, the DMA joined the major trade unions to create the not-for-profit Friends of Durham Miners Gala. Those who chip in are known as 'Marras'  – a Durham miners' term for a trusted friend or colleague. Join our band of Marras here.

• RMT Fishburn Band was founded as a colliery band in 1954 and rose to the championship section where they remain today, competing in prestigious competitions locally and nationally. The band is supported by and strongly linked to the RMT trade union, which sees them travelling up and down the country the the RMT's banners marching in parades and taking part in festivals. The band accompanies the RMT every year at the Durham Miners Gala.
• The 140th Durham Miners Gala takes place on Saturday 11 July 2026.