A free concert will mark the release of a new album celebrating the music of the Durham Miners Gala.

The Durham Miners Association Brass Band will launch their new CD at the event at Elvet Methodist Church, Durham city, on Saturday 21 May.

The album titled ‘The Big Meeting’ is a collection of new recordings of Gala day favourites. The album was crowdfunded during lockdown and recorded at Redhills, Durham Miners Hall.

Organisers have recently confirmed that the Gala will return in 2022 after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The band will play a selection from the new album as part of the concert programme.

The concert is hosted by the Friends of Durham Miners Gala. Free tickets were allocated first to Marras – those who contribute to the funding of the Gala - and our now on public sale.

Band secretary Heather Ward said: “The Gala is the highlight of the year for brass bands and we sorely missed playing in Durham during the pandemic.

“The album was a way to bring the band together and give us focus and we are delighted that we’ll be able to share it with the public in Durham ahead of the return of the Gala in 2022.”

The album developed from a partnership between Crowdfunder and Brass to provide a free platform for brass bands to raise funds while they were unable to perform. The DMA band gives thanks to both organisations and to everyone who donated to the project.

The concert will take place at Elvet Methodist Church, Durham city on Saturday 21 May. Doors open at 7pm with the concert beginning at 7.30pm.

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