Durham Miners Gala - Tony Benn 2011 Clip

June 2011 outside the Cathedral in Durham during the Miners Gala which Tony Benn has been going to for over 40 years. Begun in 1871 by the Durham Miners Association, the Gala marked the beginnings of the miners' trade unions - (excerpt from Wikipedia ' Banners would traditionally be taken on foot from its particular colliery into Durham, and the event was marked by large unions of men marching on the roads leading into the city. The banners contain several images of notable socialist/communist figures.Tony Benn's face has been added to the Banner from Black Hall Lodge. The 122nd Gala, held in 2006, attracted over 50,000 people, and approximately 100,000 attended in 2009,[10] making it one of the biggest political gatherings in Europe. During the morning banners are still marched to the racecourse with its tradition of political speeches (recent notable speakers have included Tony Benn, Billy Bragg and Ken Livingstone) then in the afternoon to the cathedral.' See More of The Tony Benn Film at www.tonybennfilm.com Facebook - / tonybennfilm and Twitter @TonyBennFilm / tonybennfilm

[@TonyBennFilm]

Dear John, Thanks for your kind comment on this video. You can follow more on the Tony Benn Film at Twitter and Facebook - ( links in description ) - best regards, Tish and The Tony Benn Film Team

[@lanehewitt7685]

I was sat next to him at the Cathedral when I was about 7 after one Big Meeting for the service. He loved the fact I hadn't a clue who he was and my dad was just giddy to be next to him. I told him he smelled of pipe smoke like my grandad. He was a very nice bloke. I could tell that, you know the way kids can pick up on that kind of thing. He sang his head off during the hymns by the way. That shocked me a bit. Funny the things you remember.

[@E____R474]

Rest in peace