As the Rocket Man prepares to land at the Stadium of Light, crowds have been making a day of it and enjoying a variety of free entertainment put on by Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council.

The programme of events included ‘death defying aerial stunts’ from trapeze artists at High Street West as well as circus performers entertaining crowds at Keel Square.

Here are 12 photos of crowds enjoying the city centre entertainment ahead of Elton John’s performance.