“Gala Performance” MHP312

The Sheffield Recreation Band was originally formed in 1900 and since that time has been known under a number of different names each associated with the industrial city. Their latest development has been to obtain sponsorship from ‘Unite the Union’ and under its current name has re-issued one of their earlier recordings under the title “Gala Performance”.
The launch of the CD is in celebration of the Durham Miners Gala, the annual gathering held since 1871, on the second Saturday in July in the city and at its peak attended by some 300,000 people. Traditionally, banners originally representing individual lodges of the National Union of Mineworkers, were paraded by the men from the collieries led by a brass band to the racecourse where the gathering heard traditional speeches. From there they paraded through the city where a service was held at the cathedral.
In recent years there has been a substantial revival of the event making it one of the biggest political gatherings in Europe and with the demise of the mining industry many other unions from around the country have become involved in celebration of this popular event.
To learn more about the band visit their website at http://www.stocksbridgeband.co.uk/.