Sunderland's silver jubilee - 25 people, events and changes that shaped a city
Vaux - the brewery closed in 1999, sparking a lengthy row over the future of the city, which was snapped up by supermarket giant Tesco. Developer Siglion plans to create a new business park in the heart of the city. Work on the first phase of the site has now begun.
The Stadium of Light - one of the key icons of Sunderland’s transformation, the stadium stands on the former Wearmouth Colliery site.
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Hide AdThe Metro - it may have taken a long time, but the tram system finally reached Wearside in 2002.
Sunderland College city campus - a state-of-the-art development in the heart of Sunderland, the campus has regenerated the Holmeside triangle site and given the city centre economy a major boost.
Qashqai - the 4x4 crossover has been the jewel in Nissan’s crown. The firm confirmed last year it is to build a third generation of its best-seller on Wearside.
The Museum and Winter Gardens - Sunderland’s very own Millennium Dome replaced the massive glasshouse destroyed in the Second World War.
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Hide AdUniversity of Sunderland - the stunning campuses at St Peter’s Riverside and in Chester Road attract students from around the world, while the National Glass Centre is a popular addition to the city.
International football - the Stadium of Light has hosted England three times, with games against Belgium, Turkey and Australia.
Roy Keane - the appointment of the gimlet-eyed Irishman as Sunderland manager by Niall Quinn’s Drumaville Consortium was a serious statement of intent.
The Bridges - the centre has expanded massively over the last 25 years and is set to grow further soon.
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Hide AdThe New Wear Crossing - the massive central pylon went up this weekend and the new bridge is set to be an icon of Sunderland for the next century or more.
International airshow - Europe’s biggest free airshow attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the seafront every year.
Roker marina and seafront - the stunning transformation of the marina and seafront see Sunderland make the most of its glorious location.
Echo 24 - the massive apartment complex on the former Echo building site boats stunning views over the river.
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Hide AdSunniside - new life has been breathed in to the historic commercial heart of Sunderland.
Tony Jeffries - boxer ‘Jaffa’ became Sunderland’s first Olympic medallist when he scooped bronze in the 2008 Games.
Stadium of Light concerts - Take That, Springsteen, Beyonce, Foo Fighters, Oasis and many more.
Park Lane Interchange - the gleaming modern bus and Metro structure is a million miles from the old bus station.
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Hide AdThe 2014 League Cup Final - the wheels may have come off the Gus Bus but for one glorious moment, it really looked as though the trophy drought was over. BOOOORRRRRRRRRRRIIIIINNNNNIIIIIII!!!!!!
The Queen’s Visit - Her Majesty popped in to Sunderland as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Kevin Phillips - Superkev arrived from Watford as a virtual unknown and left as a legend.
Brexit - Sunderland wasn’t actually the most staunchly pro-Leave part of the country, but the city’s early declaration was the first indication the pundits - and the Prime Minister - were in for a kicking.
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Hide AdMatt Wylie - the Paralympic swimmer stormed to gold in the S9 50m Freestyle at Rio 2016.
Grand Central and Virgin - Sunderland’s rail links to London have been a major boost for business.
The Aquatic Centre - Sunderland’s world-class facility perfectly complements the Stadium of Light.