With Banners Held High – 5 March 2016, Unity Works Wakefield

Head Office Circular No. NP/050/16/BO


To the Secretary all Branches and Regional Councils

Wednesday 3rd February 2016


Dear Colleagues,

With Banners Held High – 5 March 2016, Unity Works Wakefield.

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the 'With Banners Held High' celebration that took place in Wakefield in early 2015 another event is planned for  March 5th and will feature the largely unknown story of the incredible international support for 1984-85 miners’ strike, As well as exhibitions, a new book, PIT PROPS: Music, International Solidarity and the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike – to be launched on the day – and speakers from France and Denmark will celebrate this great example of international solidarity. The other big theme for the day is Music and the Miners’ Strike, with an exhibition and debate on the topic.

As with last year’s very popular event there is a day and evening programme. The day event, compered by Ian Clayton, is a mixture of film, poetry, music, debates and speakers. Highlights are the film TD30, featuring the South Wales Striking Miners’ Choir, music from Root and Branch, Grace Petrie and David Rovics, as well as guest speakers.

Doors will open at 10.30am and will run until 5.00pm and tickets cost £8.00 (concs £4.00)

In the evening Liverpool band The Farm (‘All Together Now’) are the headline act for the fundraiser concert, backed up by The Hurriers and Joe Solo.  Attila the Stockbroker is the compere. Tickets cost £20.00 (Student concs £10.00)

As with last year, the main hall at Unity Works will be transformed by the NUM banners on display, and they will also be marking the end of an era with the closure of the last underground coal mine at Kellingley.

You can buy tickets from www.unityworks.co.uk/events  or by phone from 01924 831114

I would urge everyone to go along and show solidarity at what will be a tremendous event

Yours sincerely,



Mick Cash
General Secretary