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.
9. Sunderland Empire
Regarded as the 'West End of the North', the Sunderland Empire is the biggest theatre between Leeds and Edinburgh bringing huge shows to the city, often for their only North East dates. Just some of the highlights in recent years include The Lion King, Wicked and War Horse. In another coup, it will host The Phantom of the Opera later this year. Photo: Submitted
10. The people
Proud and passionate, it's the people, many of who can trace their Wearside heritage back generations, who give Sunderland so much of its identity. Photo: JPI Media
11. Mowbray Park
One of the oldest municipal parks in the North East, Mowbray Park dates back to the 1830s. It was built to provide fresh air for residents following the cholera epidemic but today boasts beautifully-kept flower beds and walkways and forms the backdrop for events such as gigs, plays and the Festival of Light. Photo: JPI Media
12. Penshaw Monument
Despite being inspired by Greek architecture, for many Wearsiders Penshaw Monument is a symbol of home. The monument was built in 1844 in honour of John George Lambton, the first Earl of Durham and was designed to be a copy of the Theseion, the Temple of Hephaestus, in Athens. Photo: JPI Media