Sunderland had a red letter day to remember and the people of the city turned out in their thousands to greet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on a fine day in May.
It was back in 2002 that she came to Wearside to open the new-look Winter Gardens and to speak to the huge crowds which had gathered outside.
The original Sunderland Winter Gardens opened in November 1879 as part of a new museum and library complex designed to showcase the city's glassmaking heritage.
But it was destroyed by bombing in an air raid in 1941. A new, modern Winter Gardens was restored and reopened in May 25 years ago.
What a turnout there was for the special occasion and we compiled this gallery of Sunderland Echo photos to celebrate it. See if you can spot someone you know in the crowds.
If you do, get in touch and tell us more by emailing [email protected]
5. Lovely to meet you
The Queen meeting crowds in Mowbray Park after she officially opened the Winter Gardens in 2002. | Local Library
6. A royal occasion
Queen Elizabeth II was pictured at the opening of Sunderland's Winter Gardens. Did you get to see her? | Local Library
7. Taking a look round
Taking a look round the new-look Winter Gardens which were formally opened by the Queen in 2002. | JPIMedia Resell
8. A warm Wearside welcome
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, met the crowds at Mowbray Park in 2002. | se