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
Sunniside Market
The Festive Edit21 December 2025
FREE Santa’s Grotto | 10 am to 3 pm
Step into the magic and meet the jolliest Father Christmas in the North! Santa will be with us all day, spreading Christmas cheer and gifting a present to every child who visits. Furry friends are welcome too, and Santa will have special treats on hand just for them!
Breakfast With Santa
@ The Sheepfolds Stables23 December 2025
Why not book The Sheepfolds’ first-ever kids’ Disney Grinchmas party! Meet The Grinch, Cindy Lou, Santa Stitch, Santa Mickey and two of the Sheepfolds Stables’ elves. This is going to be a Christmas party to remember! See our Santa’s take part in games and activities – who will be the number 1 Santa this year?
Tickets are £7.50 per child (age 1 years and over) and £2 per adult.
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.
Inspired Learning
Event14 January 2026
Please join us for this event, which is part of our Foundational Business Academy. It is open to all businesses, and free to come along!
Every day in business, there is something we learn that inspires our next decision or innovation in pushing our thinking forward. Our panel will share with you some of that inspired thinking that has impacted positively on their businesses and share information on the plans and research we have been conducting in Sunderland.
Sunderland Cocktail
Week 202630 January 2026
It’s that time of year again — Sunderland Cocktail Week is BACK!
