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
British Street
Food Awards23 May 2025
The biggest street food competition in the world will be parking up at The Fire Station’s Parade Ground.
Launched in 2009, the British Street Food Awards is all about recognising the best of the 10,000 new food heroes who are selling food on our streets – and the Northern Heat is coming to Sunderland for the first time in May.
SUNNISIDE
FOOD MARKET24 May 2025
This month’s Sunniside Food Market is on the move! The British Street Food Awards are being hosted at The Fire Station, so find Sunniside Food Market there on 24 May!
Pop-up community market supports new and emerging food and drinks businesses across the North East.
UK Startup
& Scaleup Week2 June 2025
Got an idea for a new business or want to know how you can make your existing business more successful? UK Startup & Scaleup Week is a 5-day, multi-venue, citywide festival that will inspire & educate you on how to start, grow & fund your business in Sunderland & the wider North East / North of England.
Pride
The Movie3 June 2025
Set in the summer of 1984 – Margaret Thatcher is in power, and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is on strike. At the Gay Pride March in London, a group of gay and lesbian activists decides to raise money to support the families of the striking miners. But there is a problem. The Union seems embarrassed to receive their support.
But the activists are not deterred. They decide to ignore the Union and go direct to the miners. They identify a mining village in deepest Wales and set off in a minibus to make their donation in person. And so begins the extraordinary story of two seemingly alien communities who form a surprising and ultimately triumphant partnership.FREE SCREENING
IF YOU WERE
AN ENGINEER4 June 2025
A regional exhibition and award ceremony to showcase and celebrate the amazing, joyous and innovative ideas of school pupils.
Sunderland Food
& Drink Festival6 June 2025
Get ready for a weekend filled with delicious food & drink, family fun, live entertainment, music and more!
Sunderland Food and Drink Festival 2025 is a great day out for all the family. From delicious Street Food to Fresh Produce and Local Favourites, to a jam-packed music and entertainment line-up. Plus, kids’ entertainment and much more – expect a fun-filled weekend.
Makers &
Bakers Market7 June 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.
Pride
Launch7 June 2025
Save the Date…
Sheepfolds
Stables Market8 June 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!
Are You
Proud? Movie10 June 2025
FREE SCREENING
CLICK HERE to book your free ticket
