Football fever gripped the town as it got ready to host fans from all over the globe in 1966; the famous year England took the trophy.
Flags appeared in Blandford Street. The World Cup mascot was put on show in the window of the Gas Board offices. There was a fantastic masterpiece of a football ornament in the window of Walkers jewellers.
And the buses of Sunderland began flying the flags of the visiting nations.
Enough from me. Let’s take you on a journey to the birth of a footballing mega story with the help of these photos from Bill Hawkins of Sunderland Antiquarian Society.
1. A spruce-up for the ground
Making alterations to the Roker Park suite in May 1966, ready for the international arrivals. Picture: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins
2. In the tunnel
Sunderland players Colin Suggett, left, and Derek Forster, right, are pictured watching the latest preparation work at Roker Park - the erection of a wire mesh cover over the players' tunnel. Picture: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins
3. A warm welcome
Blandford Street gets ready to welcome the world for the 1966 tournament. Picture: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins
4. Mascot memories
Mrs Spencer and the World Cup mascot in the window of the Gas Office in Fawcett Street in July 1966. Picture: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins