THE rich mining heritage of the region will be marked with a five day-celebration at an open air museum.

Old King Coal, held at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, from today will also share the story of the contribution made by the region’s miners and their families on the Home Front during the First World War.

Banner parades, led by a steam vehicle, will take place around the museum each day of the event and bands will be performing on the Events Field and in The Town.

Banners from Beamish’s collection, North-East communities and schools will be on show, while a Coal by Rail display in the Open Stores will tell the story of how coal was transported.

Visitors can meet the pit ponies each day. On Saturday and Sunday, people can make flags for the parade and help decorate the Beamish School banner, and from tomorrow and Friday meet the ferrets and see The Colliery railway in action.

Beamish has been working with schools and community groups to celebrate their mining heritage. Pupils will be taking part in Junior Miners’ Galas during the first three days of the event.

Jonathan Kindleysides, Beamish’s head of industry, said: “The tradition of banners and brass bands remains strong in many of the country’s former mining communities.

“The North-East is no exception – in the Durham and Northumberland Coalfield this tradition is growing stronger rather than weaker.

“Old King Coal celebrates our community heritage. This year, we are also remembering the sacrifice made by the miners and their families during the years of the First World War – both the men who left to fight and those who remained to ensure the country had the fuel to power the war effort.”

Bands and musicians performing at the event include Valley Brass Band, The Salvation Army Divisional Fellowship Band, Off Key Music, Benny Graham, Kiddar’s Luck, Bill Elliott and Kevin Youldon.

Siân Fox, Community Events Officer, said: “We’re really looking forward to Old King Coal – it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the rich mining heritage of the North East and we hope everyone will come along and join in this fantastic event.”

Normal admission charges apply.