The weekend of June 16-17 2001 witnessed one of the most unusual re-enactments ever held in the UK. It was also, according to many participants, undoubtedly one of the most realistic and enjoyable ever staged.
Described as "eerily convincing" by The Independent Newspaper, this non-political recreation of the worst clash of the 1984 Miners' strike - a violent pitched battle between thousands of miners and police - took place in two parts, adjacent to and then actually on the original ground around and through the village of Orgreave, South Yorkshire.
The event was organised, scripted and directed by Howard Giles of EventPlan on behalf of major arts production company Artangel. With Howard giving up his role of Events Director for English Heritage last autumn in order to pursue a freelance career, this was the EventPlan team's first major project, taking months to plan. Drawing on top re-enactment societies, Howard created a command structure utilising experienced re-enactment officers, who in turn commanded groups of miners or actual-size police PSUs (Police Support Units) recruited for the project. Howard was delighted with the professional attitude of all the re-enactors and extras involved. Everything worked smoothly and even usually cynical press reporters won over.
520 re-enactors and 280 local extras - including ex-miners and police who were present in 1984 - took part. Uniforms, clothing and tactics were painstakingly recreated, with 1984-style riot helmets and shields - different to today's - especially produced along with over 1000 fake "stones" to be hurled at the police lines. Despite very unpleasant weather on the rehearsal day, the re-enactors and extras seamlessly merged to form the two sides - 450 police (including the long and short shield riot squads) versus 350 miners. Four modern day police trainers instructed the "police" in appropriate riot techniques and apparently were very impressed with the abilities and professional approach of the re-enactors.
The event, directed by Howard over radio links to key officers and filmed for Channel 4 by Hollywood Director Mike Figgis, was a spectacular success. In two parts, the re-enactment first recreated the initial clashes outside the coke plant (now the site of a huge open cast mine) or a nearby field and then, on the actual ground, the police advance into the heart of the village culminating in a full-scale battle and mounted police charge. Capturing the railway bridge, short-shield "snatch squads" charged through lines of defensive long shield officers, forcing stone-throwing protestors up the road past a burning car. It seemed exceptionally real, not just to the re-enactors, but also to the 3,000-strong pre-ticketed audience of predominantly local people, many of whom said the hairs stood up at the back of their necks.
At the end, the participants mingled, shook hands and hugged. Many real miners had tears in their eyes as they greeted "policemen" and visa versa. As one real ex-policemen who took part said, the healing process had finally begun 17 years on for many people who until the recreation, had found the events of June 1984 just too painful to talk about. For many, this healing experience was the most significant result of the re-enactment.
Howard would like to heartily thank everybody who took part. EventPlan hopes to offer other live event and film opportunities to re-enactors in due course, something that the success of The Battle of Orgreave will have made much more likely. The Channel 4 film is due to be screened later this year - watch for details. An article describing the actual events of 18 June 1984 features in the June/July issue of Skirmish magazine, and a full report with pictures is due in the August/September edition.
For a full write-up and pictures of the re-enactment, visit http://www.eventplan.co.uk/orgreave.htm
EventPlan can be contacted on 01970 763624.