Here’s a guide to some of the big diary dates.
1. Bonfire Night
Ashbrooke Fireworks is set to be one of the biggest displays in the area. It's once again being staged by Red Sky Foundation, with heart patient Ivanna Potts, five, flicking the switch on the night. Note: this year's display takes place on the evening of November 4, not 5th, to avoid clashing with the Europa League fixture. | Sunderland Echo
2. Remembrance Sunday
Service personnel and veterans will join the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Robert Hutchinson, as the city pays its respects at the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service. Held at the War Memorial in Burdon Road on Sunday 8 November, and alongside veterans and community groups, its parade includes British Army personnel from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery and 3rd Battalion The Rifles, who both have the Freedom of the City. The parade sets off north on Burdon Road to the War Memorial at 10.35am with supporting music provided by the Eleventh Hour Band. | North News & Pictures northn
3. Billy Elliot, Sunderland Empire
A decade since he became one of Sunderland Empire’s most-popular shows, Billy Elliot the Musical returns this month for a bumper four-week run from November 4-28. With the Empire the only theatre in the North East to stage the revived tour, it’s set to bring audiences from across the region - and a boost for local bars and restaurants. Based on the highly-successful film starring Jamie Bell, the musical is set in a county Durham mining town against the background of the 1984/’85 Miners’ Strike and follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever. | David Wood
4. Christmas Lights switch on
Christmas will officially arrive in Sunderland when the city's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Thursday 19 November. Join Hits Radio's Steve & Karen for an evening of live entertainment, music, family activities and appearances from the Sunderland Empire pantomime cast before the city centre lights up for the festive season.. | Sunderland Echo