Lockdown

Boldon-born author Marrisse Whittaker is set to help other aspiring writing at The Word, in South Shields.

Author looks to inspire others wanting to write a ‘killer thriller’

Diamond Hall Junior Academy is located on Well Street. Photo: Google Maps.

Sunderland schools go into lockdown after reports of man with weapon

(Left to right: Mick, Gio, Dan, Daniel, Maddie and Chris)

Music helped me to adjust to a late-in-life autism diagnosis

Sunderland's Angel of Mercy Sister Mary Scholastica who shared her memories and thoughts for episode 5 of the Wearside Echoes podcast.

Sunderland's powerhouse of prayer: Story of Sister Mary Scholastica

Alex Carr is retiring after 40 years looking after the Tyne & Wear Metro ticket machines.

The ticket machines are like my children says retiring Metro engineer

Lockdowns may have long since passed, but their impact is still being felt in UK schools

5 ways children’s education is still being impacted by the pandemic

Five years since the first Covid lockdown in the UK, the impact of the pandemic is still being felt

Five remarkable ways the Covid pandemic forever changed life

We take a look at a quiet Sunderland on the fifth anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown.

Look back at a quiet city on the anniversary of the Covid lockdown

Pistachio filling

I made my own Dubai chocolate - this is what to be prepared for

Emma Clark was one of the Sunderland people who had their say about lockdown in 2020.

They all made the headlines: 11 Sunderland faces from 2020

Sophie Butler pictured with her mother Rita Oxman.

Grieving Sunderland woman's book is tribute to tragic mum

Santa is a Mackem and here he is in his retro Sunderland shirt

A man who took a pitchfork into the grounds of a Sunderland primary school – causing children to be ushered to their classroom - has appeared in court to deny a weapons charge.

Man who carried pitchfork into school causing concern appears in court

Ricky Gervais makes stunning Cats admission to Keane and Jill Scott

Wunderhorse before making their Boardmasters main stage debut

Boardmasters 2024: Wunderhorse chat main stage debut and second album

Pablo Eggsgobao in Sunderland - a look at the menu
Eggstra, Eggstra - one of the North East’s most-popular cult street food brands is heading to Sunderland.
Katy Wheeler

How to spend more 'quality time' with family

Elba Park.

'Lockdown' dog risks being put down after biting incident in park

Cocker Spaniel Rupert jumping everytime he's on a walk.

Watch this adorable dog who bounces like a bunny during walks

The scene at the Palace of Westminster after the attack in March 2017, which lasted 82 seconds.
Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Westminster Bridge terror attack: Police remember victims 7 years on

Remembering the first Covid lockdown four years on. A 'closed' sign from when all non-essential retailers were ordered to shut. Inset: Social distancing measures were in place to stop the spread of Covid-19 and below: A woman wears a mask to protect herself and others from spreading the virus.

Covid lockdown four years on: 'We were so scared - we'll never forget'

We spoke to business owners - and a priest - in the uncertain week ahead of the announcement of the first 2020 lockdown.

Our report from the early Covid days

Covid lockdown anniversary

Panic buying and empty streets: Scenes from the first Covid lockdown

I'm a mum of two and I conquered "the world's toughest row"

Mackem Cars has produced this jumper just in time for the festive season.

Mackem Daft launches 6-in-a-row Sunderland Christmas jumper

A teenage boy has been arrested after a teacher was stabbed at a secondary school in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

Breaking Secondary school lockdown: Teenage boy arrested after teacher stabbed

Downing Street has been put on lockdown after a suspcious packaged was reported

Breaking Downing Street on ‘lockdown’ after suspicious package reported
Downing Street has been put on lockdown after a suspcious packaged was reported
Chelsie Sewell

The annual puffin census returns to The Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast

See rangers carry out puffin census on the Farne Islands

Pharmacy has opened in the old pharmacy site in Vine Place

See inside Sunderland's new Pharmacy bar as it honours site's history

Blacks Corner is one of the stockists of The Dandy Kat Gin Company.

Raising a glass to new gin after siblings launch business together

The Front Street singers will be performing to communities this summer. Photo by Jo Howell Photography

Community musicians are bringing Disney and more to people's doorsteps

Outdoor attractions are starting to open up

11 outdoor attractions to visit with the family as restrictions are eased

The new roller rink at Rainton Arena with staff member Lauren Ferguson.

Roller rink, rides and astro turf beer garden coming to Rainton Arena

Tuck into a Good Friday fish lot

14 Sunderland fish and chip shops to try on Good Friday

Alex Jones has revealed she is pregnant for a third time with her first baby girl. (Photo: Matt Crossick/PA)

The One Show's Alex Jones is expecting her third child - here's how she announce...

Ben Candler has launched drinks delivery service Can Deliver

New Sunderland business bringing drinks and snacks to your doorstep

A guide to all the businesses at STACK Seaburn

Stack reopening: rundown on what's in each unit

Treat your mum this Mother's Day

Places doing Mother's Day afternoon tea deliveries in Lockdown 3

Hairdressers were closed as part of the national lockdown. Picture by PA

The earliest hairdressers and salons can reopen under lockdown road map

City pubs could reopen for outdoor drinking from April 12

Sunderland publicans 'over the moon' with date for outdoor drinking

Licensed premises hopeful for the future

City publicans and restaurateurs speak of hopes ahead of Government announcement

People can take part in crafts at home

Family art packs for Wearsiders without internet access

Celebrity hairdresser Neville Ramsay's top haircare tips

Sunderland hairdresser reveals how to keep your hair looking good in Lockdown

Sunderland businesses doing pancakes in Lockdown

How to order some flipping fantastic pancakes in Sunderland this Shrove Tuesday

Rounding up Sunderland's top-rated cafes and restaurants on Trip Advisor

Sunderland's top rated restaurants and cafes - how to order in Lockdown 3

Dave and Elaine have had more than 100,000 views of their song so far

Song about Sunderland's Dave the Rave goes viral

Sunderland-made gifts to show you care this Valentine's

13 local gifts to buy the special Mackem in your life this Valentine's Day

There's plenty of walks to do away from the busy beaches

15 Lockdown walks in and around Sunderland away from the busy beaches

Essential independent traders in Sea Road, Fulwell

Call to support independent traders in Sea Road during Lockdown 3

You have been sharing ways to help your mental health during Lockdown 3.

12 ways to help your mental health in Lockdown 3

You can still go to church, buy fast food, use a public lavatory and have the dog groomed (but not "aesthetically")

Things you can do in Lockdown 3 that you couldn't do in the first one

You can support local breweries and distilleries in lockdown

Call to support Sunderland breweries and distilleries in Lockdown 3

Piggybacks are out. Piggies are in.

RICHARD ORD: Coronavirus has taken the leap and left us with frog

Shoppers are being encouraged to use local shops

Sunderland BID backs Shop Local at Christmas campaign to support businesses

These are 30 world records you can try and break at home

News you can trust since 1873

© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice