The countdown is on. The colour, the spectacle, the emotion of the Durham Miners Gala returns in a matter of days.
They will follow a long line of illustrious VIPs including Labour leaders as well as union officials.
Harold Wilson, James Callaghan, Neil Kinnock, Jeremy Corbyn and more have been part of its history.
1. Senior political figures have spoken at the Gala over the decades. Here are a selection of them.
Senior political figures have spoken at the Gala over the decades. Here are a selection of them.
2. Clement Attlee, then leader of the Labour Party, speaking at Durham Miners' Gala in July 1938.
Clement Attlee, then leader of the Labour Party, speaking at Durham Miners' Gala in July 1938.
3. Labour Party leader Hugh Gaitskell and other guests and speakers on the balcony of the County Hotel in 1958.
Labour Party leader Hugh Gaitskell and other guests and speakers on the balcony of the County Hotel.
4. George Brown, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, gives a thumbs up to the crowds below at Durham Miners' Gala in 1962. Next to him leaning on the balcony was Anthony Wedgewood Benn.
George Brown, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, gives a thumbs up to the crowds below at Durham Miners' Gala in 1962. Next to him leaning on the balcony was Anthony Wedgewood Benn.