Millions of miners, families and supporters have walked through the streets of the city on Big Meeting day ever since 1871.
And although the 2021 event will be entirely be held in the former pit communities rather than Durham itself on Saturday, we can still reflect on wonderful Galas of the past.
So many of our colliery lodges have been represented. Bands from the area and villagers by the thousands have converged on Durham.
See if you can spot a familiar face from years gone by.
1. Harking back to a 1964 Harton scene
The Harton and Westoe Lodge at the Big Meeting in 1964. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
2. Parading in Durham
Back to July 1982 for this reminder of the Boldon Lodge in Durham. Photo: Shields Gazette
3. Dancing at the Gala
Memories from the Big Meeting in 1977. Is it a favourite event of yours? Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Wonderful in Westoe
Bandsmen leading Westoe miners from their assembly point at the Armstrong Hall, South Shields for the gala in 1974. Photo: sg