Singing for the future of Redhills’ hall

The Pitman’s Parliament is to play host to a series of gigs as its leaders work to return it back to the community who founded it.

A campaign is under way to preserve the 102-year-old Redhills in Durham for future generations and restore it to its original glory.

As part of the appeal, Durham Miners’ Association is raising funds to cover the cost of the work to its headquarters.

The venue is preparing to host a night of music staring North East folk musician and singer Richard Dawson and Pity Me punk band Onsind, which will be held on the evening of Friday, February 2.

Ross Forbes, who is managing the restoration project, said: “These concerts are all part of the renewal of Redhills.

“This is a project which will breathe new life into the historic miners’ hall.

“The aim is to return the hall to the coalfield community, whose money paid for it in the first place, and to make it a place of performance and practice for musicians and artists of all kinds.

“The council chamber – or Pitman’s Parliament – is a natural and spectacular theatre space.

“We aim to hold many fundraising events throughout 2018 to raise money for its restoration.”

February’s event is being put on in partnership with the Empty Shop, a non-profit organisation based in the city, under its Seagull and Circle gig promotion project, and fellow promoter Down By The River, led by Graham Grundy.

Carlo Viglianisi, of the Empty Shop, said: “The Redhills project has a lot of similar aims and values as Empty Shop – it’s very much community focused and is pretty much the definition of ‘by the people – for the people’, so we are really supportive of what they are trying to achieve and will be helping out where we can.

“In true Empty Shop style it’s a collaboration.”

More details about the gig can be found via the Down By The River Facebook page and information on the Redhills restoration, which includes a seat sponsorship drive, can be found through http://www.durhamminers.org/.