U.K. bookmaker Gala Coral Group now thinks it is more likely it won't rain during the opening ceremony than it will.

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The group had held an annual gala to raise money for charities.

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At a gala this week for PEN American Center, a group that advocates for writers, literary luminaries were largely undecided.

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Events over the coming weeks will include a "day of celebration" organised by the North Staffs Miners Wives Action Group, a rally in South Yorkshire and a gala in Barnsley.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Miners' strike marked around UK