The Durham Miners Gala returns next month and part of the traditional parade will have to be on a new route due to redevelopment works in the city centre. The Gala is due to return on Saturday, July 9 after missing the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Road closures will be in place from 5am to enable the Gala to parade through the city’s streets. The redevelopment of the city’s bus station and the need for service buses to use North Road means that the Gala cannot parade down North Road this year.
Organisers the Durham Miners Association (DMA) have been working with Durham County Council and Durham Police to find a new route for this part of the Gala. The DMA has also been liaising with the county’s banner groups that form the backbone of the event, as well as the trade unions that support and participate in the Gala.
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The DMA also makes clear that Redhills, Durham Miners Hall, is closed for refurbishment and cannot be used as a meeting point for any groups. The new route uses Framwelgate Waterside as a starting point. The change only applies to those groups who would normally process down North Road. All other groups and routes are unaffected.
Those using the new route should park buses at Sidegate car park before marching along Framwelgate Waterside, before moving up onto the bottom of North Road and then to Framwelgate Bridge. From this point onward the Gala day route for these groups will remain the same.
To ensure this new route is safe, rolling road closures will be in place and it will be staffed by traffic management officers. DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum said: “The thanks of the DMA goes to everyone at Durham County Council and Durham Police who has worked with us to find a safe and effective solution.
“We are also grateful to our wonderful banner groups and trade union partners for all their patience and support. I urge everyone who is joining us on the day, either as participants or spectators to co-operate with the new arrangements and all our staff and partners working on the day. "
The city centre will be closed to traffic from 5am on Gala day. Visitors are encouraged to use the three large park and ride facilities at Sniperley, Howlands Farm and Belmont. Coaches will be able to park at Sidegate car park or Belmont park and ride.
For those who wish to stay over, the official Gala campsite is available at Houghall Campus just a short walk from the festivities. To book camping and for more information, please visit: www.durhamminersgala.org
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