AS THE Durham Miners’ Association gears up for the Big Meeting this weekend, secretary Alan Mardghum is issuing a special appeal: if you love the Gala, join the Marras.

The Friends of the Durham Miners’ Gala, or Marras after the miners’ term for a trusted friend, support the Gala financially and help to secure its future.

“Come to Durham on Saturday and see the solidarity,” he urged. “Hear the message — of peace, of love, of unity — what this country needs right now more than ever.” 

In pre-Gala remarks to the Morning Star, he slammed the “bile and hatred” of Reform and vowed the Big Meeting would remain a beacon of true working-class values.

“Come along and enjoy the brass bands, the music, the beautiful banners — each one tells a story — it’s a tremendous day, and everyone has a marvellous time.

“But personally, on behalf of the Durham Miners — I ask you to join the Marras. We are in a very serious financial situation, due to the financial situation across the country.

“It costs more and more every year to make this a better event, a safer event and to comply with regulations and we must redouble our efforts to ensure the Gala doesn’t disappear.

“Anyone who’s not a Marra, join the Marras — and do consider making a donation to the Gala, which has been going since 1871.”

The Big Meeting will take place in Durham on Saturday, with speakers this year including Labour’s Andy McDonald, Unison general secretary Andrea Egan, Usdaw’s Joanne Thomas and Mike Jackson of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners.

You can sign up to the Marras at friendsofdurhamminersgala.org/marras. A full interview with Alan Mardghum will appear in Saturday’s Morning Star.