Sunderland's silver jubilee - 25 people, events and changes that shaped a city

25 events, developments and personalities that shaped Sunderland over a quarter of a century.
A year in 'Our View' -  just a small selection of pictures taken across the city throughout the year for our regular Saturday edition of the Echo. This is Sunniside Gardens, which underwent a massive makeover recently.A year in 'Our View' -  just a small selection of pictures taken across the city throughout the year for our regular Saturday edition of the Echo. This is Sunniside Gardens, which underwent a massive makeover recently.
A year in 'Our View' - just a small selection of pictures taken across the city throughout the year for our regular Saturday edition of the Echo. This is Sunniside Gardens, which underwent a massive makeover recently.

Vaux - the brewery closed in 1999, sparking a lengthy row over the future of the city, which was snapped up by supermarket giant Tesco. Developer Siglion plans to create a new business park in the heart of the city. Work on the first phase of the site has now begun.

The Stadium of Light - one of the key icons of Sunderland’s transformation, the stadium stands on the former Wearmouth Colliery site.

TONY JEFFRIES DEFEATED ROY MEISSNER WHEN THE REFEREE STOPPED THE FIGHT
ROY MEISSNER REELS AFTER ANOTHER ONSLAUGHT FROM TONY JEFFRIES
 THE REFEREE STOPS THE FIGHT
Sunderland's chairman Niall Quinn ringside with Tony Jeffries grandfather Glen
and niall quinn with others
Crowtree leisure centre
niall quinn ringside with others during an earlier fightTONY JEFFRIES DEFEATED ROY MEISSNER WHEN THE REFEREE STOPPED THE FIGHT
ROY MEISSNER REELS AFTER ANOTHER ONSLAUGHT FROM TONY JEFFRIES
 THE REFEREE STOPS THE FIGHT
Sunderland's chairman Niall Quinn ringside with Tony Jeffries grandfather Glen
and niall quinn with others
Crowtree leisure centre
niall quinn ringside with others during an earlier fight
TONY JEFFRIES DEFEATED ROY MEISSNER WHEN THE REFEREE STOPPED THE FIGHT ROY MEISSNER REELS AFTER ANOTHER ONSLAUGHT FROM TONY JEFFRIES THE REFEREE STOPS THE FIGHT Sunderland's chairman Niall Quinn ringside with Tony Jeffries grandfather Glen and niall quinn with others Crowtree leisure centre niall quinn ringside with others during an earlier fight
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The Metro - it may have taken a long time, but the tram system finally reached Wearside in 2002.

Sunderland College city campus - a state-of-the-art development in the heart of Sunderland, the campus has regenerated the Holmeside triangle site and given the city centre economy a major boost.

Qashqai - the 4x4 crossover has been the jewel in Nissan’s crown. The firm confirmed last year it is to build a third generation of its best-seller on Wearside.

The Museum and Winter Gardens - Sunderland’s very own Millennium Dome replaced the massive glasshouse destroyed in the Second World War.

There's nothing like a little sunshine to help raise the spirits. Even Roker Marina was looking the business earlier this week in the late afternoon sun. And, talking of the sun, if you haven't yet noticed the lengthening days, you might be interested to know that this Saturday sees the sun setting at 16.23... that's more than 50 mins later than it did at Christmas!There's nothing like a little sunshine to help raise the spirits. Even Roker Marina was looking the business earlier this week in the late afternoon sun. And, talking of the sun, if you haven't yet noticed the lengthening days, you might be interested to know that this Saturday sees the sun setting at 16.23... that's more than 50 mins later than it did at Christmas!
There's nothing like a little sunshine to help raise the spirits. Even Roker Marina was looking the business earlier this week in the late afternoon sun. And, talking of the sun, if you haven't yet noticed the lengthening days, you might be interested to know that this Saturday sees the sun setting at 16.23... that's more than 50 mins later than it did at Christmas!
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University of Sunderland - the stunning campuses at St Peter’s Riverside and in Chester Road attract students from around the world, while the National Glass Centre is a popular addition to the city.

International football - the Stadium of Light has hosted England three times, with games against Belgium, Turkey and Australia.

Roy Keane - the appointment of the gimlet-eyed Irishman as Sunderland manager by Niall Quinn’s Drumaville Consortium was a serious statement of intent.

The Bridges - the centre has expanded massively over the last 25 years and is set to grow further soon.

Echo 24 dominates the skyline in the city centre.Echo 24 dominates the skyline in the city centre.
Echo 24 dominates the skyline in the city centre.
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The New Wear Crossing - the massive central pylon went up this weekend and the new bridge is set to be an icon of Sunderland for the next century or more.

International airshow - Europe’s biggest free airshow attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the seafront every year.

Roker marina and seafront - the stunning transformation of the marina and seafront see Sunderland make the most of its glorious location.

Echo 24 - the massive apartment complex on the former Echo building site boats stunning views over the river.

FILE PIC dated 4 March 2009
 04/03/2009   Photographer: KB 
Sunderland Aquatic Centre.FILE PIC dated 4 March 2009
 04/03/2009   Photographer: KB 
Sunderland Aquatic Centre.
FILE PIC dated 4 March 2009 04/03/2009 Photographer: KB Sunderland Aquatic Centre.
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Sunniside - new life has been breathed in to the historic commercial heart of Sunderland.

Tony Jeffries - boxer ‘Jaffa’ became Sunderland’s first Olympic medallist when he scooped bronze in the 2008 Games.

Stadium of Light concerts - Take That, Springsteen, Beyonce, Foo Fighters, Oasis and many more.

Park Lane Interchange - the gleaming modern bus and Metro structure is a million miles from the old bus station.

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The 2014 League Cup Final - the wheels may have come off the Gus Bus but for one glorious moment, it really looked as though the trophy drought was over. BOOOORRRRRRRRRRRIIIIINNNNNIIIIIII!!!!!!

The Queen’s Visit - Her Majesty popped in to Sunderland as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

University of Sunderland's St Peter's Campus.University of Sunderland's St Peter's Campus.
University of Sunderland's St Peter's Campus.

Kevin Phillips - Superkev arrived from Watford as a virtual unknown and left as a legend.

Brexit - Sunderland wasn’t actually the most staunchly pro-Leave part of the country, but the city’s early declaration was the first indication the pundits - and the Prime Minister - were in for a kicking.

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Matt Wylie - the Paralympic swimmer stormed to gold in the S9 50m Freestyle at Rio 2016.

Grand Central and Virgin - Sunderland’s rail links to London have been a major boost for business.

The Aquatic Centre - Sunderland’s world-class facility perfectly complements the Stadium of Light.