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The band had a great day out at the Durham Miners Gala, and we were delighted and honoured to march again with Eppleton Lodge banner. An early start at 07:30, the band led the banner through the streets of Eppleton and Hetton playing old favourites like Slaidburn, Death or Glory, Ballerina, and of course the Miners’ Hymn Gresford. In Durham City we lined up and made our way gradually down towards the County Hotel, playing at every opportunity and listening to the many other bands around us. Ed Milliband was on the balcony of the County Hotel (the first labour Party leader to attend the Gala since 1989) while we played “Haven’t met You Yet” (Michael Buble). Half way through, a huge cheer went up when Tony Benn came out onto the balcony! We led the banner along Old Elvet to the Riverside ground where it was displayed proudly with all the other banners around the field. At about 3pm after the speeches, the band led off from the field and played as we made our way back through Durham. The crowd was getting very lively by this time, so some up-beat numbers like Hootenany and The Muppets were well received! Someone in the crowd has posted a recording of the band on youtube (search for “The Muppets Durham Miners Gala 2012″). Many thanks to the players from Newbiggin Band who joined us for the day, especially Tony Griffiths who led the band at times when our own MD Callum was playing with Westoe!