Soon after founding the first union in 1869, a group of mine workers in northern England initiated a campaign to lobby their pit bosses, who met regularly in the city of Durham. What began as a formal protest became a grand party, and by 1871, the first official Durham Miners’ Gala was held. Today, the gala has become more of a heritage celebration of coal mining. The event usually features about 30 community brass bands, which march through the streets. The procession ends at Durham University, where attendees gather to hear speeches from trade union leaders and politicians. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary