Sit down with a pint of Double Maxim and a pink slice, today is a day to celebrate all things red and white.
What started a few years ago to promote the Mackem Dictionary has now become an annual celebration of Sunderland culture, its people and passion on August 12.
This year’s celebrations are set to be the biggest yet with a free night of music, stalls and performance at Sheepfolds Stables tonight from 5pm to 10pm, which is sold out.
There’s plenty of reason to love our city by the sea - and we’ve rounded up just some of them:
13. Our West End of the North
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, War Horse, Hamilton and many more. Photo: Submitted
14. 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. Photo: JPI Media
15. We even have a castle
Sunderland even has its very own castle - and it's been beautifully restored. The castle was built in around 1400 by Sir William Hylton and for generations it stood as a reminder to all of the power and connections of the Hylton family. However, after a period of neglect, the castle had become a shadow of its former self. But, thanks to the efforts of Cllr Denny Wilson, the Hylton Castle Trust, and a 25 year journey of campaigning, the building has eventually been restored to its former glory and is once again a castle to be proud of. | Sunderland Echo
16. 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: Sunderland Echo