Free event
About
With Banners Held High festival 2025: 40 years on – the struggle continues.
With Banners Held High is Yorkshire and the Humber’s very own Trade Union and community festival — an established and well-loved fixture in the trade union calendar.
Held annually, it commemorates the end of the Miners’ Strike and reflects on the lessons learned.
Last year’s event, marking the 40th anniversary of the Strike, held the biggest march so far. Trade union branches from across the country marched with banners, joining progressive campaign groups, stall holders and local residents.
This year, the theme is “40 Years On – The Struggle Continues.” Trade unions are stepping up across new workplaces, defending workers against fresh challenges, standing strong for their members, and protecting our collective right to protest.
A series of Fringe events will take place before and after the main festival, reflecting on the legacy of the Miners’ Strike and exploring how those lessons can guide us through today’s battles. These events are open to all.
Banner Held High will take place on 10 May:
- Gather on Smyth Street: 10:45am
- Banners march across Wakefield City Centre: 11:30am
- Speakers, Music and Poetry at Wakefield Exchange (WX): 12pm – 5pm
More information is available at: www.linktr.ee/withbannersheldhigh
Why not stay for an exclusive showing of Kes for Movies at WX
Venue opening hours
Monday : 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday : 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday : 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday : 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday : 8:00 am - 10:30 pm
Saturday : 10:00 am - 10:30 pm
Sunday : 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
Access facilities
- Accessible Toilet
- Assistance Dogs Welcome
- Step Free Access
- Wheelchair Accessible
Venue Details
Find us at
Union Street, Wakefield, WF1 3AD
hello@wxwakefield.co.uk
17:00 - 21:00 
