Sunderland at Wembley: 'It's like the whole of Wearside is here' - magical scenes in Trafalgar Square ahead of Checkatrade Trophy

Sunderland fans have created a magical atmosphere in London tonight as they await the Checkatrade Trophy final.

By Richard Mennear

Published 30th Mar 2019, 21:04 BST- 1 min read

Updated 30th Mar 2019, 21:13 BST

...

...

Tens of thousands of supporters descended on Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square to celebrate ahead of the big game. You can see pictures from Covent Garden here.

There were amazing scenes in London tonight ahead of the cup final tomorrow

There were amazing scenes in London tonight ahead of the cup final tomorrow

The first fans set off from Sunderland early this morning.

The first fans set off from Sunderland early this morning.

Supporters hit Covent Garden before heading to Trafalgar Square

Supporters hit Covent Garden before heading to Trafalgar Square

There was an amazing atmosphere with flares burning bright.

There was an amazing atmosphere with flares burning bright.

After pouring off trains and getting checked into their hotels, they were back out onto the streets of the capital.

After pouring off trains and getting checked into their hotels, they were back out onto the streets of the capital.

Metropolitan police sent a friendly message to fans saying they had been expecting them.

Metropolitan police sent a friendly message to fans saying they had been expecting them.

The atmosphere was electric as fans buzzed with excitement.

The atmosphere was electric as fans buzzed with excitement.

Tomorrow will see them all back out again and heading along Wembley Way,

Tomorrow will see them all back out again and heading along Wembley Way,

And we hope there aren't any sore heads in the morning!

And we hope there aren't any sore heads in the morning!

There have been no reports of any trouble, with police continuing to tweet friendly messages.

There have been no reports of any trouble, with police continuing to tweet friendly messages.

Sunderland can be proud of its supporters.

Sunderland can be proud of its supporters.

Fans in Covent Garden earlier in the evening.

Fans in Covent Garden earlier in the evening.

Fans in Covent Garden earlier in the evening.

Fans in Covent Garden earlier in the evening.

Fans in Covent Garden earlier in the evening.

Fans in Covent Garden earlier in the evening.