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
UNITY IN THE
COMMUNITY18 October 2025
Sunderland is set to come alive with dance, food, music and creativity as Unity in the Community Weekender takes place in the city on Saturday 18th.
After the huge success of last year’s one-day Unity in the Community event in October 2024, organisers are bringing it back even bigger and better for 2025 – expanding into a full weekend of festivities.
The two-day celebration, organised by VCAS, Sunderland Minster and Sunderland Music City, will showcase the rich diversity of cultures and communities that call Sunderland home. It’ll be a packed programme of live music, dance performances, arts and crafts, and food for people of all ages to enjoy.
LUSH Sunderland
Bubble Bar Workshops18 October 2025
Join us at Lush Sunderland for a fun and interactive bubble bar workshop! Get ready to learn how to create your very own bubble bar.
Our expert staff will guide you through the process, sharing tips and tricks along the way. You’ll leave with a unique bubble bar that’s perfect for a relaxing soak in the tub!
Tickets must be presented on arrival.Each workshop lasts for approximately 30 minutes.
Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of your scheduled time slot to check in and prepare for the workshop. Latecomers cannot be refunded and will not be able to participate once the workshop has begun.
Minimum age is 5 years old. Children aged 5-12 must be supervised by an adult.
Please review the ingredients for allergen information and inform us of any allergies upon arrival.-
UNITY IN THE
COMMUNITY19 October 2025
Sunderland is set to come alive with dance, food, music and creativity as Unity in the Community Weekender takes place in the city on Sunday 19th October.
After the huge success of last year’s one-day Unity in the Community event in October 2024, organisers are bringing it back even bigger and better for 2025 – expanding into a full weekend of festivities. 
SUNNISIDE HALLOWEEN
FOOD MARKET25 October 2025
Sunderland’s monthly Local Heroes Food 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.
LUSH Sunderland
Sculpt and Play25 October 2025
Get creative by making your own character with our FUN soap modelling, play some games and see the brand-new products in store!
You will also take away a bath bomb of your own – though which one you get will be a surprise!Spaces are limited, so book quickly!
Each workshop lasts for approximately 30 minutes.
Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of your scheduled time slot to check in and prepare for the workshop. Latecomers cannot be refunded and will not be able to participate once the workshop has begun.
Minimum age is 4+ years old.
Please review the ingredients for allergen information and inform us of any allergies upon arrival.
LUSH Sunderland
Kids Halloween Party27 October 2025
Join us for 45 mins of fun! Get hands-on with making the boo-tiful, spicy-scented Pumpkin bath bomb and play loads of party games.
Mix the ingredients and press. This cutie will be ready to take home with you on the day, along with our Witches Cauldron Fun.Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of your scheduled time slot to check in and prepare for the workshop. Latecomers cannot be refunded and will not be able to participate once the workshop has begun.
Minimum age is 5 years old. Children aged 5-12 must be supervised by an adult.
Please review the ingredients for allergen information and inform us of any allergies upon arrival.
This session will hold 10 people and is suitable for all ages from 5+
Hilton Garden Inn
Halloween Foam Party30 October 2025
Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland & Party Gems UK proudly presents…
Kids’ Foam Halloween Party! Get ready for a spooky afternoon of foamy fun! Come dressed up in your best Halloween costume and enjoy:
Halloween
Basement Party1 November 2025
A night of dark disco, hellish house, and blood-curdling Balearic beats.
With a proper ghoulish DJ line-up too…
Makers &
Bakers Market1 November 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.
Jazz
The Society Quartet1 November 2025
Book today for The Jazz Society Quartet on Saturday 1st November for a night of soothing Jazz music.
A standard ticket includes a two-course meal and entertainment for only £23
