And to mark February 14, the most romantic day of the year, we rounded up 14 reasons to love Sunderland, from its proud industrial heritage to its award-winning coastline and landmark structures.
5. Sunderland International Airshow
What started life as a one-off event at the then Sunderland Airfield (formerly RAF Usworth) in 1988 is now the biggest free airshow in Europe. Around a million visitors flock to Sunderland across the course of the airshow weekend to marvel at mighty aircraft and aerial acrobatics. Photo: JPI Media
6. Our seafront
There's not many cities by the sea in Britain and Sunderland boasts not just one, but two beaches in Roker and Seaburn. The twin resorts have brought plenty of people to the area over the years, but an ongoing seafront regeneration project is set to improve it further. Photo: Stu Norton
7. The Northern Spire Bridge
It may be a new addition to the Sunderland skyline, but the Northern Spire is fast becoming an iconic landmark. Years in the planning, the new River Wear crossing opened in 2018 as part of wider plans to improve transport links in the city. It was named Northern Spire following a public vote from a shortlist of names. Photo: Stu Norton
8. National Glass Centre
Regarded as being in the top 50 list of free national tourist attractions, National Glass Centre honours the area's history with glassmaking that dates back centuries while also showcasing new artistic works. The £17million centre opened in 1998 on the site of the former J.L. Thompson and Sons shipyard. It's also a stone's throw from St. Peter's Church, another important part of Sunderland's history and the place where Benedict Biscop introduced glass making into Britain. Photo: JPI Media