Every second Saturday in July, since 1871, the city of Durham has been taken over by miners, trade-unions and the general public for one of the biggest annual gatherings in Europe, the Durham Miners' Gala - known locally as "The Big Meeting".

This topical debate series based on Any Questions? typically features politicians from at least the three major political parties as well as other public figures who answer pre-selected questions put to them by a carefully selected audience.