Video: Celebrate the Struggle – Fight for Justice

An afternoon of music, politics, memories and laughs to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1984/85 Miners’ Strike. Jointly presented by Sussex LRC and Brighton, Hove & District Trades Council with all monies raised being donated to the Kent Miners’ Festival and the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign.

Speakers & performers: Bob Crow (RMT), Simon Weller (ASLEF), Robb Johnson, the Malthouse Duo with Charlie Anderson, Terry Harrison (Betteshanger NUM), Liz French (Betteshanger Women Against Pit Closures), Joy Hurcombe (Labour CND), Gary Cox (Kent Miners’ Festival), Adriano Merola Marotta (one of the Sussex 5) and Kate Smurthwaite. Chairs: Claire Wadey and Andy Richards.

Recorded Saturday 8 March 2014

Simon Weller – Deputy General Secretary and National Organiser for ASLEF
Bob Crow – General Secretary of the RMT
Robb Johnson – Sussex’s favourite protest singer/songwriter
Solidarity statement from Manuel Cortes, General Secretary of the TSSA
Thatcher’s Prayer
The Malthouse Duo with Charlie Anderson
Terry Harrison – Secretary, Betteshanger NUM
Liz French – Betteshanger Women Against Pit Closures
Liz French sings Cole Not Dole
Joy Hurcombe – National vice-Chair, Labour CND (starts off-camera but audible throughout and well worth your attention)
Gary Cox – Chairman, Kent Miners’ Festival asking everyone to “dig deep for the miners” once again
Adriano Merola Marotta – one of the Sussex 5
Kate Smurthwaite – comedian and activist
Communal singing finale led by Robb Johnson, Liz French, Tony Dines & Ellen
Liz French thanks Brighton for a wonderful afternoon and continued support
Andy Richards – President of Brighton, Hove and District Trades Council, concluding the event
Tony Dines leading the singing of The Red Flag
View our photos of the event
Watch the report broadcast by Meridian (ITV News)
Finally, below is the Brighton Argus report on the event, published 10 March 2014, prior to the sudden death of Bob Crow on Tuesday 11 March 2014: