Who remembers the Santa parade of the 70s and 80s which would pass through streets in the town centre – and often had celebrities on board.
Dr Who Tom Baker did it in 1977.
Famous faces from Coronation Street did it in 1980.
Melvyn Hayes and Windsor Davies from It Ain’t Half Hot Mum did it in 1982.
The common denominator was Santa did it on his way to Joplings or Binns.
And here’s our reminder of them all. Take a look and get in touch if this brings back happy memories.
5. Look at the size of the crowds in 1978
Santa Claus was joined by Buzby, the Post Office TV advertisement character, in the 1978 parade. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. The crowds came out
Balloons, huge crowds and Santa on parade - it was all happening in 1978. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Meeting his fans in 1978
Santa meets his adoring public in Sunderland. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. On parade in 1978
Remember these scenes from 1978? | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Sunderland Echo