Orgreave Inquiry Listening Events

Orgreave Inquiry urges people: come and tell us your story

  • Anyone with a connection to the events at the Orgreave Coking Plant on 18 June 1984 is being encouraged to register for Community Listening Events
  • Help the Inquiry understand Orgreave’s lasting impact

More than four decades have passed since the events at the Orgreave Coking Plant on 18 June 1984, at the height of the UK miners’ industrial action. Now the statutory public inquiry investigating what happened is asking people to come forward and help it understand the stories behind the history.

The Orgreave Inquiry is holding in-person Community Listening Events in Barnsley on 28 October and Durham on 12 November. The Inquiry is inviting anyone with a connection to events before, during and/or after 18 June 1984 to attend, meet the Inquiry team and, if they wish, share their experiences.

For some, these events will be an opportunity for people to tell their stories, some of which have been carried for more than 40 years. Others may want to ask questions, hear more about the Inquiry’s work or simply come along and listen.

The events are about listening and conversation – they are not a formal evidence-gathering exercise. Attendees can share as much or as little as they wish.

Chair of the Orgreave Inquiry, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, said:

“The events at Orgreave affected many people in different ways, and those experiences continue to resonate more than forty years on. We want to ensure that those voices are heard and understood. Whether you would like to share your own story, listen to others, ask questions about our work or simply find out more about the Inquiry, I warmly encourage you to register and join us.”

The Community Listening Events form part of the Inquiry’s wider work to better understand the human impact and continuing legacy of Orgreave. Stories heard will support the Chair and Panel’s investigation into the events themselves.

If events at Orgreave in June 1984 have been part of your life, your family’s story or your community’s experience, we warmly encourage you to register, attend and share your perspective with the Inquiry.

Come and tell us your story

Barnsley: Wednesday 28 October 10am – 5pm (morning and afternoon sessions available): Barnsley NUM, Miners Offices, 2 Huddersfield Rd, Barnsley S70 2LS

Register: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BarnsleyNUM/

Durham: Thursday 12 November 10am – 5pm (morning and afternoon sessions available): Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Flass St, Durham DH1 4BE

Register: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Redhills/

Your story is part of the story of Orgreave. The Inquiry wants to hear it. Please join us.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  • The Orgreave Inquiry, announced by the UK Government in July 2025, will investigate:
    • planning by the police and government for the policing of the demonstration at Orgreave on 18 June 1984;
    • events on the day itself, their immediate aftermath, and their lasting impact on individuals, communities and the public narrative; and
    • charging decisions and prosecutions arising from the arrests made at Orgreave.
  • The Inquiry will operate entirely independent of government and any other public body.
  • The Inquiry has full statutory powers to compel witnesses and require the disclosure of evidence and is expected to report by spring 2028.
  • Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, Chairs the Inquiry, supported by a four-person panel. The panellists are:
    • Wendy Williams CBE, a former chief prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service and, between 2015-2024, an Inspector in His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
    • Dr Angela Sutton-Vane, a historian with extensive experience in evidence-based research, historical accountability and the archiving, preservation of and access to police force records
    • Baroness Mary Bousted, a former senior trade union leader representing teachers, leaders, and support staff and workers
    • Dr Joanna Gilmore, a senior lecturer in Law at the University of York, whose research expertise includes public order law, human rights and policing policy
  • The Inquiry will provide a formal update on progress to the Home Secretary by spring 2027.