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
WRWC
Fan Village21 August 2025
The Ultimate 3-Day Celebration of Spirit, Sport and Support!
Sunderland is set to come alive this August with a vibrant programme of events celebrating the countdown to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Starting from Thursday, 21 August, until Saturday, 23 August, a fan village will be located in Keel Square, right in the heart of the city centre.
THURSDAY
Get in the party mood for the Ruby World Cup by visiting the free Fan Village in Keel Square in the heart of the city centre when it opens at 4 pm on Thursday, featuring a line-up of female-led musicians, through until 10 pm that night.
The evening will begin with a panel discussion on women in sport and music, followed by a stage programme curated by Music City, featuring:
SUNNISIDE
FOOD MARKET23 August 2025
This month, the Sunniside Food Market on 23 August will be held in Keel Square as part of the Women’s Rugby World Cup Fan Village.
Get ready for an unforgettable day of fun, food, and excitement in Keel Square!
Steel & Sparks
Art Festival31 August 2025
Be part of an exciting creative event at the historic Sheepfolds Stables, where art takes over with:
Art Exhibition
Art Market
Interactive Art Experiences
One of the headline highlights will be ‘Little Inventors’, a hands-on, imagination-fuelled workshop led by renowned artist Dominic Wilcox.
Restaurant
Week6 September 2025
Ready to sink your teeth into one of the most exciting events on the city calendar?
Sunderland Restaurant Week is back on the menu this September!
Makers &
Bakers Market6 September 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.
Sheepfolds
Stables Market14 September 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!
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Foundations & Futures
Art Festival27 September 2025
Get ready to be part of a vibrant day where art takes over, and everyone’s invited!
Art Exhibition – Discover bold and brilliant works by local artists
Art Market – Browse unique handmade pieces, prints, and crafts
Interactive Art Experiences – Get hands-on, get messy, and get inspired
Whether you’re exploring, shopping, or creating—you’ll be part of something special. 
Stages:
On The Square27 September 2025
A brand new music experience for Sunderland.
360° Stage. Full City Energy.
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SUNNISIDE
FOOD MARKET27 September 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.
