As 2019 draws to a close, we've rounded up some of the best gigs, events and spectacles to take place over the last ten years.
9. Red Arrows blue heart for Bradley Lowery, Sunderland International Airshow, July 2017
The Red Arrows captured the mood of the city perfectly when they created a blue heart in the skies above Roker and Seaburn at the Airshow in honour of Blackhall youngster Bradley Lowery who'd died earlier that month after a battle with cancer that touched the hearts of the nation. Photo: Tom Banks
10. John Lydon of Public Image Ltd, Split Festival, September 2012
One of the biggest characters in music, John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, played Split Festival at its original base at Ashbrooke Sports Club with band Public Image Ltd in September 2012 and proved a hit with the crowds who packed the marquee to see him. The line-up that year included The Futureheads, Field Music, The Lake Poets, The Cornshed Sisters, Saint Etienne and the Unthanks. Photo: JPI Media
11. Dave Stewart 65th birthday concert, Sunderland Empire, September 2017
One of Sunderland's most successful musicians, rock veteran Dave Stewart, of Eurythmics fame, celebrated his 65th birthday with a spectacular home-coming gig at Sunderland Empire in September 2017. The gig featured performances from local talent including The Lake Poets and Social Room, as well as an amazing rendition of Sweet Dreams with Easington Colliery Band. Photo: Stu Norton
12. Keel Square launch, August 2015
The decade saw the creation of a new public square for Sunderland. Keel Square, which was named by the public, opened in summer 2015 and features two works of art. Propellers of the City’contains names of those who worked in the Wear shipyards, while The Keel Line lists more 8,100 ships launched on the Wear and is illustrated by renowned graphic artist Bryan Talbot. Photo: JPI Media