But which year saw all of these things happen in Sunderland?
Were you there when the Queen came to town or one of the biggest boy bands ever graced Wearside?
An American sensation was here and we tried our best to make a difference on the world football stage.
Take a look through the pictures, see if you can guess the year, and then we will reveal the answer at the end of the photo collection.
1. Welcome Your Majesty
The Queen arrives at the Stadium of Light Metro station for a Royal visit but when was it? Photo: KB
2. It's Jimmy!
Jimmy Osmond is pictured launching the Sunderland Empire's Boogie Nights experience. Can you remember which year it was? Photo: se
3. Can we relight your memories of this year?
Take That fans in Sunderland for a day to remember. Were you there? Photo: JM
4. Taking on the world
Hoping to win the World Cup bid. Remember when Sunderland joined the campaign to bring the World Cup to England? Photo: Picture by Kevin Brady