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 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
Summer in
the Square23 July 2026
Come join us in Keel Square for some Summer fun!
The day includes street art and chalk, a fire engine, a live sketch artist, police horses/dogs, a storytelling corner, and live music.
So come along to Keel Square on Thursday 23 July for a fun-filled few hours!
80s Bottomless Brunch
@ The 3 Stories25 July 2026
Bottomless brunch but make it 80s!
The 3 Stories is throwing it back with the ultimate 80s Bottomless Brunch bringing disco fever and retro party vibes straight to you.
Bottomless cocktails and prosecco
Beach Yoga
@ Seaburn Promenade25 July 2026
Views, fresh air, yoga, relaxation.
Yes please! We live in a BEAUTIFUL part of the world and there is nothing better than a yoga session overlooking the ocean.
K-POP Takeover
@ STACK30 July 2026
Get ready to dance, sing and shine at our Kids K-Pop Party, packed with interactive games, high-energy dance-alongs and the biggest K-Pop hits kids love. Learn fun choreography and feel like a pop star in a lively stage event perfect for the whole family. Come dressed in your favourite K-Pop-inspired outfits, bright colours, or idol-style looks and get ready to party!
Makers &
Bakers Market1 August 2026
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.
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Beach Yoga
@ Seaburn Promenade1 August 2026
Views, fresh air, yoga, relaxation.
Yes please! We live in a BEAUTIFUL part of the world and there is nothing better than a yoga session overlooking the ocean.
Paddleboard Yoga
@ Roker Harbour2 August 2026
Come and join us, this summer on selected Sundays at Roker to experience a slow flow yoga and relaxation session on the water.
We also accommodate private and cooperate bookings. Minimum group size we can accommodate is 4 and maximum group size is 8. Group sizes can be larger but will incur additional charges due to needing two members of staff for safety and insurance purposes.
Multiple dates available.
Dive into Summer
@ the Bridges3 August 2026
This summer, the Bridges is diving into action for our oceans. From Monday 3rd to Friday 28th August, families are invited to visit the Ocean Explorers Camp – a free, interactive activation designed to teach kids about ocean conservation and plastic pollution through themed games, arts & crafts and weekly workshops.
Step into our under-the-sea inspired blue ocean set, complete with ocean nets, recycled crafty stations, a blue ocean floor, a doodle mural and much more. It’s everything your little explorers need to dive into action!
Burlesque @ Sunderland
Empire Theatre6 August 2026
After taking the West End by storm- where it became summer 2025’s biggest hit, selling out night after night – Burlesque: A BIG New Musical is coming to Sunderland in August.
From executive producer Christina Aguilera and written by Steven Antin, Burlesque invites you to a club like no other: a hidden world beneath the city lights where sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers and lives can change in the flick of a feather boa. When Ali arrives in New York searching for the mother she never knew, she stumbles upon a dazzling underground scene alive with music, movement, and mystery. Drawn into this intoxicating world, she begins to uncover her extraordinary voice — and finds an unexpected family of dreamers, misfits and schemers who will change her life forever.
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Makers &
Bakers Market7 August 2026
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.
