IT’S HAPPENINGIN SUNDERLAND
We are creating a vibrant city centre 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 city centre – 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 three priorities represent our driving force to build a safe, clean & attractive environment, to ensure our city centre business voices are heard at the highest levels, and to raise Sunderland’s profile regionally and nationally.
City PRIDE
We are changing perceptions and building civic pride by ensuring our city centre is a welcoming, safe, clean, and attractive environment for everyone.
City VOICE
We provide a robust and collective voice for our businesses at the highest level to make good things happen to improve Sunderland city centre’s trading environment.
City PROMOTION
We raise the profile of Sunderland regionally and nationally and create a year-round programme of city-wide marketing activities, high-profile events, and promotional campaigns.
WE ARE
YOUR BID
Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) is a collaborative effort driven by businesses, united under a single vision: to create a vibrant city centre 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.
BECOME AN
AFFILIATE MEMBER
All businesses and organisations benefit from the work we do in Sunderland.
Therefore, we have extended many of the benefits our levy payers enjoy to other businesses in the city centre and around Sunderland by creating an Affiliate Scheme.
Find out how we can support your business.
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
TINA – The Tina
Turner Musical26 March 2025
Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Experience her inspiring story live on stage as this exhilarating celebration reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and defy the bounds of age, gender and race to conquer the world against all odds.
Presented in association with Tina Turner, written by Olivier Award and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Katori Hall (The Mountaintop) and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!), this five-star show is “simply the best” (Daily Mail).
Makers &
Bakers Market5 April 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.
Sheepfolds
Stables Market6 April 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!
National Armed Forces
& Emergency Services Event9 April 2025
NAFESE 2025 is the only UK National event to celebrate the ethos of service for the services from armed to emergency to volunteer.
The National Armed Forces and Emergency Services Event 2025 celebrates the ethos of service for the services from armed to emergency to volunteer.
The event consists of an Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club (open to all attendees) with speakers, a Recruitment and Resettlement Zone, a STEM Village (located this year inside the Beacon of Light), a Trade Quarter for B2B dealings and a Regional Showcase Hub.
There is something for everyone on the day!
Come along and see over 60 exhibitors!
Hairspray
The Musical14 April 2025
Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton (Shrek the Musical, The Addams Family) as the fierce yet fabulous Velma van Tussle. Making her directorial debut is Hairspray royalty Brenda Edwards (Hairspray, We Will Rock You) who will bring new energy from behind the scenes. Featuring some of musical theatre’s biggest hit songs, Welcome to the 60s, You Can’t Stop the Beat, Good Morning Baltimore and many more. Hairspray is the hilarious, joyous, and inspiring musical for all! Join big hearted Tracy Turnblad and her new friends the spirited Seaweed and his sister Little Inez, heartthrob Link Larkin and the resolute Motormouth Maybelle as they strive to change the world. Hairspray has wowed audiences in The West End and on Broadway and still packs a punch with its message of tolerance and the fight against racial discrimination. This fun-filled show is bursting with show-stopping numbers and dizzying dance routines, come and join the beat because just to sit still would be a crime!
Hairspray
the musical14 April 2025
Featuring some of musical theatre’s biggest hit songs, Welcome to the 60s, You Can’t Stop the Beat, Good Morning Baltimore and many more. Hairspray is the hilarious, joyous, and inspiring musical for all!
Join big hearted Tracy Turnblad and her new friends the spirited Seaweed and his sister Little Inez, heartthrob Link Larkin and the resolute Motormouth Maybelle as they strive to change the world. Hairspray has wowed audiences in The West End and on Broadway and still packs a punch with its message of tolerance and the fight against racial discrimination.
Game of
II Halves17 April 2025
The Game of II Halves project aims to promote positive mental health messaging and destigmatise conversations around male mental health, suicide and self-harm. Through the recruitment of ambassadors, monthly engagement in workshops and positive engagement in this conference, increased awareness can help normalise healthy conversations around mental health issues and provide an outlet for those in distress.
SUNNISIDE
FOOD MARKET26 April 2025
Pop-up community market supports new and emerging food and drinks businesses across the North East.
From brewers, bakers, and cheesemongers to world-class street food vendors, our north east food and drink traders are delighted to bring themselves to your doorstep.
OUR CITY
IN NUMBERS
