Damp weather fails to discourage crowds at Miners Picnic

Hundreds of people braved the poor weather to celebrate the region's mining heritage.
Northumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn.
Picture by Jane ColtmanNorthumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn.
Picture by Jane Coltman
Northumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn. Picture by Jane Coltman

Generations came together to enjoy the annual Northumberland Miners’ Picnic, held at Woodhorn museum in Ashington.

More than 300 members of brass bands kept the visitors entertained with a range of music while the Pitmen Poets also performed a number of songs.

The Pitmen Poets perform at the Northumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn.
Picture by Jane ColtmanThe Pitmen Poets perform at the Northumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn.
Picture by Jane Coltman
The Pitmen Poets perform at the Northumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn. Picture by Jane Coltman
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The programme of family entertainment also included a regional food and craft fair, street theatre and family art activities.

The event was organised by Northumberland County Council and Northumberland National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), proving to be another success.

There was also a tribute to miners who lost their lives 100 years ago.

Floral tributes were laid by former miners, officials and MPs to honour the miners who died at Woodhorn Colliery in 1916.

Northumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn.
Picture by Jane ColtmanNorthumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn.
Picture by Jane Coltman
Northumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn. Picture by Jane Coltman
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In one of the darkest days for the colliery, 13 miners lost their lives in a single accident on August 13, 1916.

The men – the oldest aged 48 and the youngest 21 – were killed when a firedamp exploded after contact with a naked flame in the Main Seam.

Right Reverend Christine Hardman, Bishop of Newcastle, lead the memorial service.

Afterwards attendees held a two minute silence at the Miners’ Memorial before the Ashington Colliery Band played ‘Gresford’.