Sunderland has come alive in recent weeks with the visit of the Olympic Torch and three hugely successful gigs at the Stadium.

They have provided a much needed boost to the local economy.

Praise is due to the staff at the club for making this possible.

In spite of the near biblical rain, we proved we could enjoy ourselves.

Those of us at the Red Hot Chili Peppers were let off lightly and suffered less of a drenching.

Sunderland is now firmly on the map for big promoters and next year’s announcements can’t come soon enough.