The Big Meeting – Film Premiere

The world premiere of 'The Big Meeting' – a new feature film about the Durham Miners' Gala.

The 94-minute film explores the meaning of the Gala and follows some of the people who make it such an inspiring event. It also includes contributions from Gala supporters including Dennis Skinner and Jeremy Corbyn.

The premiere, at Redhills: Durham Miners Hall on Saturday 22 June, will feature a panel discussion with director Daniel Draper and some of the stars of the film. The film will go on general release in cinemas later this summer.

Daniel, director of the acclaimed Dennis Skinner biopic Nature of the Beast, said:

“I don’t think words alone can do justice to the Durham Miners’ Gala. It is as though this great celebration of working-class life takes place in the past, present and future simultaneously. This film is an exploration of something wonderful and beyond words. Redhills is the perfect setting for the premiere and I will be proud to share The Big Meeting for the first time at the home of the Durham miners.”

• The Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band will play for ticket holders in the grounds of Redhills from 6pm

• Doors open at 6pm

• Refreshments served in the Committee Room

• Introductions at 7pm followed by the film screening

• Interval at 8.45pm

• Panel discussion at 9pm with: Director Daniel Draper; George Robson, former DMA finance officer, who organised the Gala for more than 40 years; Heather Wood, community activist from Easington and stalwart of the Gala; Dave Temple, former miner, founder of the Marras, & author of The Big Meeting - A history of the Durham Miners' Gala; Charlotte Austin, activist from West Auckland, representing the future we build

Ross Forbes, DMA press officer during the miners Strike, and now DMA Programme Director and Gala organiser, will chair the panel.

We’ll also hear from Labour Party Chair and former miner Ian Lavery, and Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner.

It’s going to be a very special night at Redhills as we see The Big Meeting hit the big screen for the first time.

Proceeds from the film premiere will go to the Marras – Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala, which was established to fund the event following the closure of the collieries.

To become a Marras, go here.