The 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War will be marked in 2025.
The people of Wearside celebrated all those years ago by dancing and by packing into the streets near the Town Hall.
They wanted to hear the news for themselves and the Sunderland Echo was there to capture their joy.
In the week when Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said this year's anniversary offers "important opportunities for communities to come together", we look back at Sunderland and the celebrations of 1945.
We want your family’s memories of VE Day in 1945 and you can share them by emailing [email protected]
1. Historic in 1945
The Mayor Cllr John Young addressing the people of Sunderland from the balcony of the Town Hall. | se
2. Finally over
Some of the thousands of Sunderland people who gathered outside the Town Hall on August 15, 1945 to hear that war was over. | se
3. Home at last
Evacuees from London assembling in the New Rink in Park Lane before going home in 1945. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Going home
A picture from 1945, where evacuees from London prepare to leave Sunderland and go home. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo