We have selected 13 images from Wearside and they were all taken on and around VE Day.
Overjoyed people, who had endured years of bombing and hardship, danced in the parks.
Others headed for the seaside and enjoyed the May sunshine, knowing that war had ended.
Take a look at these images from one of the most momentous days in history.
1. Singing and cheering on VE Day
The Police Band played outside the Town Hall and thousands of Wearsiders joined in the singing. Photo: SE
2. Smiling in the rain
Crowds gathered in the middle of Sunderland to celebrate as the news filtered through that war was over in Europe. Photo: SE
3. Oh how they celebrated
They danced in Mowbray Park as war came to an end in Europe. Photo: SE
4. Full of smiles
In the words of the Sunderland Echo at the time: "Sunderland folk, enjoying their VE Day holiday, smile and cheer for Victory." Photo: SE