Hundreds of ex-miners will gather in Gedling at the former site of one of the UK’s biggest former coal mines to mark the 25th anniversary of its closure.
More than two hundred men and women who worked at Gedling Colliery will take part in an afternoon of events today.
The colliery was a cornerstone of the area until it closed in 1991 and stood derelict for more than 20 years.
Gedling Borough Council has since invested £1.6 million to turn the site into a country park.
Although part of a white-dominated industry, the colliery was known as the ‘Pit of Nations’ and had a high percentage of black workers during the 1950s and 60s.
The workforce reached its peak of 2,500 in the 1950s and around 130 people lost their lives at the pit during the 93 years it was open.
The events will begin with a ceremony held at the Gedling Memorial Lamp to remember those who died.
A beacon will be lit at the park to mark the special event and the day will finish with a special presentation at the welfare club.
Councillors from Gedling Borough Council have pledged money from their individual members’ pots to fund the event.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke and Vernon Coaker MP will be in attendance, along with the Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Sandra Barnes.
Cllr Clarke said: “This will be a very special and historic occasion and one that is unlikely to happen again.
“The colliery was a huge part of this borough and employed hundreds of people, some of whom lost their lives there and should be remembered.
“We are looking forward to showing the men and women who are part of the history of the pit that they’ve not been forgotten and the heritage of the colliery lives on through Gedling Country Park.”
