IT’S HAPPENINGIN SUNDERLAND
We are creating a vibrant city with opportunities for everyone.
Access invaluable business support, learn about how our city is developing, access an array of fantastic events and see everything that’s #HappeningInSunderland – all in one place.
WE’RE IMPROVING
SUNDERLAND
We are working to create a city we can all be proud of. Our priorities ensure our goals are met and we are accountable for the promises we make.
These priorities represent our driving force to build a safe, clean & attractive environment, to ensure our city business voices are heard at the highest levels, and to raise Sunderland’s profile regionally and nationally.
PRIDE
We are changing perceptions and building civic pride in our city centre, enhancing and celebrating the unique character and appeal of the seafront by ensuring our city is a welcoming, safe, clean, and attractive environment for everyone.
VOICE
We provide a robust and collective voice for our businesses at the highest level to make good things happen to improve Sunderland’s trading environment as well as amplifying the needs, concerns, and aspirations of our city businesses.
PROMOTION
We raise the profile of Sunderland as a destination regionally and nationally and create a year-round programme of city-wide marketing activities, high-profile events, and promotional campaigns.
AFFILIATEMEMBERSHIPS
Therefore, we have extended many of the benefits our levy payers enjoy to other businesses iaround Sunderland by creating an Affiliate Scheme.
All businesses can partner with Sunderland BID to help shape a bright future for our city in a non-voting capacity. Affiliates of the BID will not be able to join the BID’s Board of Directors, but you can enjoy appropriate services and get involved in relevant projects and campaigns.
WE ARE
YOUR BIDS
Sunderland’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) is a collaborative effort driven by businesses, united under a single vision: to create a vibrant city with opportunities for everyone.
Since our inception in 2014, we have injected over £6 million into enhancing the city centre. Through the backing of our levy payers, business stakeholders, and essential partners, we have formulated a pragmatic and attainable blueprint for the future, expanded to include Sheepfolds and launched the Seafront BID.
WHAT IS
GOVERNANCE?
Governance might seem a boring and dry subject, but actually, it can be fascinating and hugely dynamic as it consists of the processes, policies and laws which will affect how an organisation is managed.
In the case of Sunderland BID, the processes and policies are directed and controlled by our Board of Directors to ensure that performance and risk are managed effectively.
LATEST EVENTS
Art, Craft
& Graze Market8 November 2025
Sunderland’s monthly Art, Craft & Graze Market is to take on a sinister twist by paying homage to an iconic television series.
The annual spooky performance by students at Sunderland College has become a highly anticipated event, bringing the real spirit of Halloween to life.
Sheepfolds
Stables Market9 November 2025
Artisan food and drink market, in conjunction with Local Heroes, will be held on the second Sunday of each month going forward. Visitors can wander around the many stalls and purchase from a range of local independent traders offering the very best produce, from crafted gifts to specialist breads and cakes, organic vegetables, charcuterie and more!
Safer Business
Action Week10 November 2025
Safer Business Action Week is just around the corner, beginning on 10 November.
At Sunderland BID, we recognise that safety and security are crucial for businesses across our BID area, helping to protect both our business community and the wider public.
Christmas Lights
Swich-on13 November 2025
Join us in Keel Square for the Grand Christmas Lights Switch-On! Expect festive cheer, twinkling lights, and a joyful start to the season.
Save the date – Thursday 13th November.
Christmas at
Hilton Garden Inn20 November 2025
Step into the most wonderful time of the year at Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland. Where the spirit of the season comes alive.
Throughout December, The Hilton Garden Inn transforms into a festive hub of celebration, sparkle and joy. From dazzling party nights with live entertainment to magical family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
SUNNISIDE
FOOD MARKET22 November 2025
Pop-up community market supports new and emerging food and drinks businesses across the North East.
From brewers, bakers, and cheesemongers to world-class street food vendors, our north east food and drink traders are delighted to bring themselves to your doorstep.
Makers &
Bakers Market6 December 2025
A fantastic variety of handpicked artisan local gift shopping stalls located in the Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland.
Stalls include handmade gifts, art, delicious homebakes, gourmet sweet treats, photography, keepsakes, pet accessories, pamper products and so much more!Entry is free.
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Sheepfolds
Stables Market14 December 2025
Artisan food and drink market, in conjunction with Local Heroes, will be held on the second Sunday of each month going forward. Visitors can wander around the many stalls and purchase from a range of local independent traders offering the very best produce, from crafted gifts to specialist breads and cakes, organic vegetables, charcuterie and more!
On Sunday, the Local Heroes Sheepfolds Sunday Market is on from the new time of 9am-1pm, just for this Sunday only. It’s because there is a Sunderland home game on the same day, later in the afternoon, and Sheepfolds are going to be playing it at their venue – so we have moved the market to an earlier time to accommodate!
New Year’s Eve
firework spectacular31 December 2025
A dazzling double fireworks spectacular is set to light up the night sky across Sunderland this New Year’s Eve.
Following the success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup celebrations, with its jam-packed programme of entertainment and stunning fireworks in Keel Square in August, the City Council is planning a double display to welcome in 2026.
