Blue skies greeted the return of the Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday, July 9, after a three-year break due to Covid-19. Here is a selection of pictures from the 136th Big Meeting.
![The procession of colliery banners passes the County Hotel.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjkwOGM5ZDU0LWY0MjMtNGUwZS04ZWZkLWM1MTc1ODA3OTFkYTpmYmYwZjVmZC1jZjlhLTQ2NjgtOTk1YS1hODYyNTk3NmUxM2Q=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. Proud tradition
The procession of colliery banners passes the County Hotel. Photo: North News and Pictures
![The 136th gala was a day out for the family.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmNiNjRmMjUwLWY5ZTItNDU0ZC04MmEzLWMyODgxZGZiYTkyYzpkOWJiOWQ4OS1mNzMzLTRkYjctYWViZS03Yzc2Zjk2N2UzNDY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
![Rail union boss Mick Lynch was present at the gala.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmRkZTZlNDk5LWZlMDAtNDA1OC04ZjYxLTg4MDRkNDI3OTMwNDo5MjRlMTkyOS1mM2E4LTQ4MDMtYmVmNy0wN2E5OTUyZmM1MWE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
3. Hat'll do nicely
Rail union boss Mick Lynch was present at the gala. Photo: North News and Pictures
![The sunny weather and the Covid break has prompted a large turn out.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjIyZGQ3ZmRkLWNiODYtNDE4OS04MzdkLTg1YzQ3MTM4MWUzZjo0NzAxOTFkZi0xYjZjLTQ4Y2ItYjFlOC1jNWJiNjlhMWVmNmY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
4. Busy scene
The sunny weather and the Covid break has prompted a large turn out. Photo: North News and Pictures
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