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
The Panto
@ The Point5 December 2025
Roll up! Roll up! The Circus is in town! Dame Gertie Dollop runs the show with her son, Silly Billy but they have fallen on hard times particularly with the dastardly Ringmaster Heinkel, owner of the rival ‘Circus of Horrors’ up to his devious old tricks.
Christmas Party
@ The Art Room6 December 2025
Tickets are selling fast for this year’s Family Arty Party, which will be held at Betsy Jenny’s, just around the corner from The Art Room in Mackie’s Corner! It’s the perfect venue!
Get your tickets now by clicking this link
Trio of Tribute Shows
@ Independent6 December 2025
With Christmas fast approaching, Independent is set to light up December with a trio of unmissable tribute shows celebrating three of the most iconic bands of all time, Pink Floyd, The Smiths, and ABBA.
Makers &
Bakers Market6 December 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.
Breakfast with Santa
@ The Seaburn Inn7 December 2025
The Seaburn Inn are ho-ho-hosting some very special events with some extra special guests from the North Pole!
With delicious food, a gift for each child and magical memories you can treasure forever, you won’t want to miss out.From only £12 per child and £15 per adult, book now to secure your place!
Sheepfolds
Stables Market14 December 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!
On Sunday, the Local Heroes Sheepfolds Sunday Market is on from the new time of 9am-1pm, just for this Sunday only. It’s because there is a Sunderland home game on the same day, later in the afternoon, and Sheepfolds are going to be playing it at their venue – so we have moved the market to an earlier time to accommodate!
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.
Sunderland Cocktail
Week 202630 January 2026
It’s that time of year again — Sunderland Cocktail Week is BACK!
