The Market Square is usually a bustling hub of Sunderland life.
To prove it, we gathered nine photos from the Echo archives to show just how much has happened there in the last 50 years.
Join us for a look at Chinese New Year celebrations, a visit by a rock star and traditional dance with a Wearside legend in it.
5. DJ David in town
Radio 1 DJ David Jensen was at Boots in 1983. He signed an autograph using the back of Wendy Goldsmith, 14, of Ford Estate. | se
6. Dave meets the fans
Rock star Dave Stewart surprised shoppers by performing songs from his new album in 1990. | se
7. Evie's work on show
Evie Thompson with her Wonkey Donkey which was part of the No Jumping on the Bed exhibition by Year 11 pupils from Thornhill School in the Market Square in 2011. | se
8. Colours aplenty in 2013
Members of the free runners group Apeuro entertained shoppers as part of a health promotion for Change For Life in 2013. | se