On National Mackem Day, August 12, we’ve rounded up some of the weird and wonderful things associated with people from our city by the sea.
1. The excitement for walking over the new bridge
Sunderland is undergoing huge changes and one of the most talked about is the new bridge - officially called Keel Crossing - but unofficially called Regis Le Bridge. We'll be able to finally walk over it on August 22 for the opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup. It's a temporary opening for one day for now, but once cosmetic works are finished you'll be able to walk from Keel Square to Sheepfolds in a few minutes. | Sunderland Echo
2. Marvelling at the Roker Park tap
For kids in the '80s and' 90s the wondrous tap in the Roker Park boating lake was something to scratch your head over. How did it manage to float mid air? Photo: Sunderland Echo
3. The pleasure and pain of being a Sunderland fan
Being an SAFC fan isn't easy, but the unbridled joy of a win - and making it back into the Premier League - makes it worthwhile for the club's fans. Such is SAFC fans' passion for their team that fellow fans, and international production company Fulwell 73, created three series of Sunderland 'Til I Die on Netflix which captured the highs and lows of being a Black Cat. Photo by Josh Bewick Photography. Photo: Josh Bewick Photography
4. Dave the Rave
Local character Dave the Rave is practically a household name on Wearside thanks to his love of all things rave. Such is his local fame that he's featured in art exhibitions in the city and videos of him performing often go viral with tens of thousands of page views. He lifted everyone's spirits in Lockdown with a series of outdoor performances of his version of Rave Heaven, which he recorded with long time friend Elaine Rennie, the video of which was viewed more than 100,000 times in three days. Sadly, he wasn't christened Dave the Rave, his real name is Dave Common - but his surname will always be "The Rave" in Sunderland. | Sunderland Echo