14 memories from Sunderland's Roker Hotel, featuring proms, stars and fashion shows

Marlene Dietrich was a star guest

By Chris Cordner

Published 8th Nov 2023, 12:39 BST

It's a hotel with a rich history - and a bright future.

That's the Roker Hotel which is back in the news thanks to new owners taking over.

The news gives us the perfect chance to look back at some Echo archive scenes from the hotel.

It welcomed star guests such as Marlene Dietrich and held all sorts of events from proms to fashion shows.

Awards nights, boxing events and evenings of clairvoyancy have also pulled in the crowds.

Have a look.

So many great scenes from the hotel.
See how many you remember.

1. Retro at the Roker Hotel

So many great scenes from the hotel. See how many you remember.

SAFC star Jim Baxter outside the hotel in 1965.

2. A star on the pitch

SAFC star Jim Baxter outside the hotel in 1965.

Marlene Dietrich getting off a plane before heading to her suite at the Roker Hotel in 1966.

3. Marlene makes an appearance

Marlene Dietrich getting off a plane before heading to her suite at the Roker Hotel in 1966.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland Coun. and Mrs Len Harper, with the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside. Coun. and Mrs Joe Roberts (left), and the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland, Coun. and Mrs Tom Finnigan (right) at the Sunderland Civic Ball.

4. A civic occasion in 1980

The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland Coun. and Mrs Len Harper, with the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside. Coun. and Mrs Joe Roberts (left), and the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland, Coun. and Mrs Tom Finnigan (right) at the Sunderland Civic Ball.

Sunderland Nostalgia

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