In pictures: Sunderland pays tribute to Durham Miners' Association as banners fill Stadium of Light with colour

Football fans celebrated the North East's mining heritage by showing their support for a parade at the Stadium of Light.

Monday, 29th April 2019, 2:11 pm

Updated Monday, 29th April 2019, 2:40 pm

Celebrating mining heritage at the Stadium of Light.

Saturday's clash between Sunderland AFC and Portsmouth was dedicated to the Durham Miners' Association, as they and the club marked their shared histories. Banners from across the region were paraded around the stadium ahead of kick-off. Here are our colourful pictures showing how the event went.

Banners were paraded around the pitch before the game.

Ten former lodges of the Durham Miners' Association were represented on the day.

These were Lumley, Quarrington Hill, Deaf Hill, Sacriston, Eppleton, Sherburn, F Pit (Washington), Usworth, South Hetton and Wearmouth.

Music was also provided by the Durham Miners' Association Colliery Band.

Donations were also collected in the FanZone ahead of the match.

Donations were going towards the Marras appeal, set up to ensure the Durham Miners' Gala can survive and thrive.

The Durham Miners' Gala is held each year in July.

This year's Durham Miners' Gala is being held on July 13.

Fans watch from the stands.

The colourful banners lit up the Stadium of Light.

Support for the miners.