Sunderland AFC will pay tribute to the north east’s proud mining heritage before Saturday’s big game against Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light.
The game has been dedicated to The Durham Miners Association, as the two institutions celebrate their rich heritage and shared histories. A colourful array of miners’ banners from across the region will be proudly paraded around the Stadium of Light 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 will also be able to enjoy music from the Durham Miners’ Association Colliery Band, who will be playing in the Fan Zone before the game. Members of the Durham Miners’ Association will be collecting donations in the Fan Zone to support the Marras appeal – which was set up to ensure that, through donations and fundraising, the annual Durham Miners’ Gala can survive and thrive, and inspire generations to come.
The Durham Miners Association Colliery Band will play in the Fan Zone from 1.45 until 2.15pm and supporters are encouraged to take their seats early in the stadium, with the parade of banners around the pitch commencing at approximately 2.30pm.
Information on how Sunderland supporters can become a ‘marra’ is available at www.friendsofdurhamminersgala.org.
