Gordon Brown was invited to the gala to speak (prior to becoming PM), but he declined. 'At least he replied though' says David Hopper The Durham National Union of Mineworkers Secretary. Tony Blair had already become the prime minister who broke the longstanding tradition of Labour leaders speaking at the event thus creating a 10 year gap.
Approx 100,000 people turned out for the event. Speakers included Tony Woodley Unite joint general secretary, Paul Kenny GMB leader, Frances O'Grady Trades Union Congress deputy and Bolsover MP Dennis Skinner.
The gala is an important opportunity to see and experience what solidarity and trade unionism is all about and giving hope to the youth of today.