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.
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.
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.
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 around 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 BIDs, 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, and
Graze Market14 November 2026
The Art, Craft & Graze Markets are all about slowing down, having a wander, and meeting the people behind the work.
Come along to browse handmade pieces, discover local artists and makers, and enjoy a chat with the creatives themselves.
Expect:
Original artwork & handmade crafts
Locally made gifts & home décor
Fresh bakes, savoury treats & artisan produce
A relaxed atmosphere filled with creativity
Whether you’re curious, collecting, or just fancy a relaxed morning out, there’s plenty to explore, taste, and enjoy.
Grab a coffee from the coffee caribe pod, take your time, and support Sunderland’s small businesses and creative community.
Sunday Market
@ Sheepfold Stables15 November 2026
The artisan food and drink market 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 fresh produce, condiments, spices, coffee, sweet & savoury treats, pastries, chocolate, flowers, fresh meat, hot food, art, jewellery, textiles, homeware,& more
*Event subject to change due to match day fixtures
The Wellness Collective
@ Grand Hotel15 November 2026
As the festive season begins to gather pace, we’re inviting people to step away from the Christmas shopping, endless to-do lists and daily pressures and enjoy a magical day dedicated to wellbeing, creativity, relaxation and connection.
Set against the beautiful seafront backdrop of The Grand Hotel Sunderland, guests can do as little or as much as they wish throughout the day. Whether they want to join every activity, learn new skills, move their bodies, enjoy festive food and drinks, or simply unwind in one of our cosy spaces, this is a day designed to help people recharge before the Christmas rush begins. The event includes candlelit yoga, Pilates, sound baths, wreath making, festive workshops, Christmas shopping and a variety of experiences focused on wellbeing and connection.
Mean girls
@ The 3 Stories19 November 2026
On November 19th, we wear pink.
Elvis Tribute
@ Stack19 November 2026
Join us on the 19th November 2026 as we transport you through time from the ‘68 special to the Vegas era, breathing soul into ballads and those iconic jumpsuit numbers that set the stage on fire.
Endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, this is the closest you’ll see and hear to The King himself. Sensational, Spectacular and full of Shake Rattle n’ Roll. There’s only one Elvis Presley and there’s only one artiste who captures his spirit on stage – the inimitable Gordon Hendricks.
Christmas Light Switch On
@ Keel Square19 November 2026
Christmas will officially arrive in Sunderland when the city’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Thursday 19 November.
Join Hits Radio’s Steve & Karen for a magical evening of festive fun, featuring live entertainment, family activities, appearances from the Sunderland Empire pantomime cast, festive walkabout characters, and a special visit from Santa. The event will also welcome the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland and the Salvation Army, helping to kick off the celebrations in style.
Festive Wreath Making
@ STACK21 November 2026
Tis the season for wreath making!
For just £45pp you can join us to make a show stopping festive wreath!
00’S By nature
@ STACK21 November 2026
00’s By Nature are a high-energy live band delivering the ultimate throwback party, celebrating the biggest pop anthems of the 2000s and 2010s. Packed with infectious hits from global icons, their setlist is a non-stop journey through feel-good nostalgia, singalong classics, and dancefloor favourites – Think Kesha, Rihanna, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Taio Cruz, LMFAO, Dizzee Rascal, Avicii & many more! Seamlessly blending medleys, mashups and crowd favourites, 00’s By Nature recreate the soundtrack of unforgettable nights out.
Northern Soul Day Party
@ The point21 November 2026
The Northern Soul Day Party is coming!
Get ready for an afternoon of rare grooves, spinning soles, and feel-good soul as we celebrate one of the most iconic dance movements of all time. From underground classics to dance floor favourites, this is all about the music, the movement, and the energy.
Christmas Market
@ Angelo’s Restaurant22 November 2026
Get into the festive spirit at Angelo’s Christmas Market on Sunday 22nd November!
Join Angelo’s Restaurant for a joyful day of festive shopping, local crafts and delicious Italian treats. Discover unique gifts, handmade goods, artisan jewellery, festive décor and gourmet treats, alongside authentic Italian products including panettone, pandoro, hampers and fine wines.
