"At a time when the government is attacking our fundamental human right to strike, the Durham Miners' Gala is vital to keeping the spirit of solidarity alive.
The Durham Gala has always been a powerful symbol of trade union and community values of equality, democracy and working people standing by each other.
But now the Gala needs our support. I urge union branches and individual members to join up and become friends of the Gala. Then together we can fight for a fairer future for all."
Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC)