Easington & Eppleton Colliery Disasters: 75th Anniversary Memorial

Join us at Redhills Durham Miners Hall on Friday 29 May for a special act of remembrance marking the 75th anniversary of the Easington and Eppleton Colliery disasters.

In 1951, County Durham was shaken by two devastating mining disasters within weeks of each other. On 29 May, an underground explosion at Easington Colliery claimed the lives of 83 miners and rescue workers, leaving families and communities across the East Durham coalfield grieving. On 6 July, a further explosion at Eppleton Colliery, near Hetton-le-Hole, took the lives of nine miners.

Together, these tragedies left a deep and lasting mark on the Durham coalfield. They remain among the most painful chapters in the region’s industrial history, remembered by many as part of the “Year of Tragedy”.

The memorial will take place at Redhills from 11.30am, with the act of remembrance beginning at 11.45am in the Redhills Memorial Garden. The ceremony will include speeches, prayers, a roll call of the dead, and a performance of Gresford – The Miners’ Hymn.

Refreshments will follow in the new Banner Room at Redhills.

The memorial will be led by Revd Colin Jackson of Easington and Revd Jenny Portapryde of Eppleton.

All are welcome to attend.

As we mark 75 years since these disasters, we come together to honour those who died, recognise the sacrifice of mining families, and ensure that the memory of these communities continues to live on.

No ticket or RSVP required.