SUNDERLAND AFC will pay tribute to the region’s mining heritage before tomorrow’s game at the Stadium of Light.
The game, against fellow promotion chasers Portsmouth, has been dedicated to the Durham Miners Association.
A colourful array of miners’ banners from across the region will be proudly paraded around the pitch before the game– including the historic Monkwearmouth Lodge banner, which is usually displayed within the west stand of the stadium.
Ten former lodges of the Durham Miners’ Association will be represented on the day - Lumley, Quarrington Hill, Deaf Hill, Sacriston, Eppleton, Sherburn, F Pit (Washington), Usworth, South Hetton and Wearmouth.
Supporters are encouraged to take their seats early, with the parade starting at around 2.30pm.
Durham Miners’ Association Colliery Band will play in the Fan Zone before the game, from 1.45pm to 2.15pm.
And DMA members will collect donations for the Marras appeal– which was set up to ensure the annual Durham Miners’ Gala can survive, thrive and inspire generations to come. Information on how Sunderland supporters can become a ‘marra’ is available at friendsofdurhamminersgala.org
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here