Banners carried through city for first time in more than 30 years
HISTORIC MINERS’ banners were carried with pride through the centre of Wakefield for the first time in more than three decades yesterday as trade unionists came together to reflect on past battles and the challenges ahead.
Cheers and applause from onlookers greeted the procession which marched off from Wakefield Cathedral following a blessing by the Bishop of Huddersfield, Jonathan Gibbs.
It marked the opening of the fourth With Banners Held High (WBHH) festival and the end of a week-long festival sponsored by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) as part of its 150th anniversary.
Martyn Richardson, chairman of the WBHH committee, said: “It’s my understanding this is the first time that a banners march has taken place in Wakefield since about 1986. It was an integral part of how people within the trade union movement expressed their collectivity.
“This morning when I walked outside and saw the array of National Union of Mineworkers’ banners, a smile immediately came on my face. It was absolutely buzzing, just what we wanted.”
The day’s programme continued with brass bands, performers and guest speakers, including Labour deputy leader John McDonnell MP and TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady.
Events during the Collective Spirit Festival included an exhibition, a banner-making workshop, and an evening of spoken word, poetry, music and film.