A Journey South: Photographing the Durham Miners’ Gala
Last weekend I travelled off-island and headed south to Durham for a commission that felt a world away from the calm of Arran’s coastlines. I’d been asked to photograph one of the groups taking part in the legendary Durham Miners’ Gala – a gathering unlike anything else, steeped in generations of pride, solidarity, and spectacle.
The Gala is one of those events you don’t forget in a hurry. Even if you’ve been before, it still hits you – the colour, the sound, the sheer scale of it all. Brass bands echoed through the city’s narrow streets, banners soared above the crowds, and there was a sense of history being carried on the shoulders of the present. It’s an event that honours the legacy of mining communities, but it’s also very much alive – defiant, joyful, and deeply rooted in the north-east’s identity.
From a photographic point of view, it was incredible. The commission had me focusing on a specific group throughout the day, but I also managed to grab a few moments in between to soak in the atmosphere and capture some wider shots of the day unfolding. These weren’t just marching bands and formal parades – there were candid smiles, quiet conversations, proud moments, and more than a few spontaneous dances in the streets.
And then there was the heat. Blistering doesn’t even cover it. The sun was relentless from the moment I arrived, turning Durham’s historic centre into something closer to a Mediterranean city. Folk were seeking out shade under banners, fanning themselves with programmes, and queuing for water like it was gold dust. I had a camera in one hand and a bottle of suncream in the other.
It’s always interesting stepping away from the familiar rhythms of Arran and diving into a different world for a while. The Gala reminded me why I love documentary work so much – the chance to be in the thick of it, to tell real stories, and to meet people proud of where they come from.
I’ve come back with a deeper appreciation for the communities who keep this tradition alive.




















