Music, Remembrance, Poetry and festive performances at Redhills this November

From a concert honouring mining communities to live poetry, film, jazz and a fresh take on a Christmas classic, Redhills Durham Miners Hall has an eclectic programme of events coming up this November, offering new reasons to discover one of the North East’s most important historic buildings.

Following a major £14 million restoration, Redhills is the home of the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), the organisation that represented generations of coal miners and their communities. Known as the Miners’ Hall, this Grade II* listed building is much more than a monument to the region’s industrial past. Its historic chambers have witnessed debate, solidarity and decisions that helped shape the lives of working people today.

Redhill Sundays are a chance for members of the public to drop-in and discover more about the building and its history, take part in family-friendly creative activities and discover special exhibitions, all for free. Taking place every Sunday from 11am to 2pm, visitors can explore the restored Miner’s Hall, step foot in the breathtaking Pitman’s Parliament, and enjoy light refreshments in a place with a powerful story to tell.

Upcoming Events & Programme

Under Earth, Under Arms, We Remember

Sunday 8 November at 3pm

Brings together Durham Miners Association Brass Band and the beautiful sound of Lirica, a mixed-voice, close-harmony, vocal group for a concert of brass and choral music in Redhills’ historic Pitman’s Parliament. Drawing on mining heritage and wartime remembrance, the performance pays tribute to the courage, resilience and sacrifice of mining communities during times of conflict.

Film Screening: The President’s Cake

Sunday 8 November at 7.30pm

Film fans can join Durham Film Club for a screening of The President’s Cake, Hasan Hadi’s award-winning 2025 film set in 1990s Iraq. The story follows nine-year-old Lamia as she searches for ingredients to make a cake for Saddam Hussein’s birthday, facing shortages and the threat of serious consequences if she fails.

Redhills Live: Simply Dylan – Acoustic

Saturday 14 November

Sees the return of Redhills Live with Simply Dylan – Acoustic, an evening celebrating the songs of Bob Dylan, presented in association with Big Mouth Productions. The performance brings together a super-talented multi-instrumentalist 4-piece band that includes violin, sax, acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, mandolin and harmonica alongside soul-stirring vocal harmonies, to offer a fresh take on some of Dylan’s best-loved songs.

Live Music with Lee Harrison

Sunday 15 November at 2pm

The programme continues with live music from Consett singer Lee Harrison in the Banner Room. Performing a mix of old and new Country music and Americana, Lee is a natural entertainer who knows how to connect with his audience, creating a welcoming atmosphere for an enjoyable afternoon.

Colpitts Poetry Live

Thursday 19 November at 7.30pm

Brings poetry and original music together in a cabaret-style evening. County Durham poet Rachel Burns, Romanian poet and performer Peter Sragher, and North East singer-songwriter duo Kitchy Retro will share their work, with an open mic inviting audiences to perform their own poems and original songs.

Jazzy Christmas

Friday 27 November at 7.30pm

Durham University’s Big Band and Jazz Orchestra return to Redhills. Combining familiar festive favourites with classic and contemporary big band arrangements, the concert promises an evening of festive music, swinging rhythms and seasonal favourites in the distinctive surroundings of Durham Miner’s Hall.

A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey

Sunday 29 November from 2.30pm

The festive season gets into full swing when broadcaster and impressionist Alfie Joey takes to the stage to perform his own spellbinding solo version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Using storytelling and a dazzling repertoire of character voices, Alfie brings this timeless tale to life in a performance of this Christmas classic as it’s never been seen before.

Tours & Information

Discover Redhills: Past, Present & Future (Guided Tours)

Every Monday in November at 12.30pm

As if that’s not enough, the venue's popular guided tours take place weekly. This is an introduction to the building’s unique history and proud past and an opportunity to discover how Redhills is being reimagined as a centre for culture, learning and social action.

Full event information, ticket prices and booking details are available at https://tickets.redhillsdurham.org.

Redhills, Durham Miners’ Hall is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.