Film premiere at Redhills to spotlight County Durham’s defiance during the Miners’ Strike

A powerful new documentary exploring the legacy of the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike in County Durham will premiere this summer at Redhills Durham Miners Hall - the historic heart of the Durham coalfield.

Defiant: County Durham – The Miners’ Strike and its Legacy brings to the screen a story of resilience, community and political struggle, charting the profound impact of pit closures and the enduring strength of mining communities.

The premiere event will include a special screening followed by a live Q&A, offering audiences the opportunity to engage directly with the filmmakers and contributors.

The film is written, directed and produced by Lonely Tower Film & Media, an independent production company led by Marie Gardiner and Mark Thorburn.

Set against the backdrop of County Durham, the film captures the lived experiences of those who endured one of the most significant industrial disputes in modern British history — the 1984–85 UK miners' strike. It explores not only the devastating social and economic consequences of the strike, but also the solidarity networks and collective spirit that continue to shape the region today.

Hosting the premiere at Redhills Durham Miners Hall is especially significant. Built in 1915 as the headquarters of the Durham Miners’ Association, the building — featuring the “Pitman’s Parliament” — has long been a centre of working-class organisation, culture and democratic decision-making.

Following a major restoration, Redhills has re-emerged as a national centre for culture, heritage and social action. The screening forms part of Redhills’ growing cultural programme as the building continues its transformation into a living home for community, creativity and shared heritage.

Alongside this event, Redhills hosts a diverse programme of activity including guided tours, exhibitions, performances, community events and conferences, welcoming visitors not as a traditional museum, but as an active civic space rooted in County Durham’s past and present.

From 26 July, Redhills will also launch Redhills Sundays—a new weekly opening inviting people to explore the building through an inclusive programme of talks, tours, films, music, creative activities, food and drink. These regular Sundays will offer new ways for people to connect with the building, coalfield heritage and our shared future.

Family friendly activities and sessions are planned for throughout the summer holidays.

Tickets for Defiant County Durham and the wider programme are available now at www.tickets.redhillsdurham.org

Following the film premiere, Defiant will be embarking on a community tour of the coalfield as part of Redhills’ new community connections hyper local touring programme. If you would like to host a local screening, contact Vonni@redhillsdurham.org.