EVENTS

IN SUNDERLAND

Will Young is embarking on his most intimate tour yet to showcase ‘Light It Up’ - his brand new album.

The winner of two Brit Awards, an estimated worldwide sale of over eight million albums, and the first ever Pop Idol, Will's double A-sided debut single 'Evergreen' was released two weeks after the show's finale and became the fastest-selling debut single in the UK. 

Sunderland Business Festival, which has been running since 2021, aims to inspire enterprises from across the region, with a host of engaging speeches and sessions from high profile business leaders. The event, which comprises a range of sessions – most of which are completely free to attend.

The festival is being organised by Sunderland Business Partnership, a collective of organisations – large and small – all with an interest in the city’s development, creating opportunities for members to collaborate and grow, which in turn helps Sunderland to be a more dynamic destination for business.

A panel discussion with key regional and national business leaders around the future of the North East economy.

The panel will include:

A business breakfast event themed around Women in Leadership, with a panel of fantastic female leaders from the city.

The panel will include:

Delivering the Future City 2023 set a first for professional business events in City Hall, Sunderland: to showcase the regeneration journey in a series of new and vibrant panel sessions, led by industry, stakeholder and government voices: to discuss Sunderland’s incredible re-invention story, in and amongst heightened levels of staging and conference hospitality.

On 15-16 October 2024, a gear-change in the enhanced programme will demonstrate the progress made and focus on the key challenges that have arisen, set in the context of a new Government policy landscape, devolution and social and economic circumstances.  Themes include how to bring more life to the city centre, accelerate housing delivery, build new cohesive communities, advance technological innovation, further address climate change and develop new skills.

Social enterprises are businesses designed to address social or environmental issues while generating profit.

In Sunderland, a growing community of these enterprises play a crucial role by providing essential services, creating employment opportunities and promoting innovative business practices.

The story that captivated Sunderland this summer was the return of iconic sports brand hummel and delivery of a new retail experience with global leader Fanatics.

This energetic and insightful discussion with senior leaders from Sunderland AFC, Hummel UK and Fanatics, will give a unique glimpse into how the partnership came together and how a common desire to super serve fans and deliver a unique experience is at the core of the new relationship.

In Conversation With Si King and Alex Partridge.

Si King and Alex Partridge will participate in a day of inspirational talks from well-known faces discussing their lives and careers, hosted by former Look North newsreader Jeff Brown.

A collaborative design dash with University of Sunderland students and Sunderland BID

A collaborative, multi-stakeholder workshop, bringing together University of Sunderland students, local retailers and businesses to co-create a futureproofed High Street.

Free food, music, family fun, and support from local organisations are available to everyone in Sunderland.

A dazzling laser garden, a giant glitter ball, and stunning new light projections are among the sparkling lighting displays to be seen at this year's Sunderland Festival of Light.

Get your tickets using your Sunderland Gift Card now!

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.

Step into an immersive experience at this infamous site, where the spirits of the past haunt every room, eager to share the chilling tales of their demise. Enter the twisted world of "The Asylum," where the walls echo with the whispers of the deranged and the lost. At Hylton Castle, we delve deep into the darkness, summoning the restless souls of the forsaken. Prepare yourself for a night where sanity slips away, and the horrors of the asylum come to life in one HELL of an evening. In partnership with Southpaw Dance Company.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Happy Deathday!... Join Atlas Theatre Company for your first day in the land of the dead. Step into the shadows and walk with them through Sunderland for a thrilling night with restless spirits.

Come to The Moving Gallery on Fawcett Street for a refreshment and a Spooky Selfie Experience before we set out through the city with our lovely ghost host and learn some of the eerie stories of Sunderland...All while you come to terms with your recent passing! RIP.

Step into the eerie world of our haunted gallery and capture your spookiest moment with a chilling backdrop! From ghostly figures to flickering candles, this immersive display is perfect for your Halloween-themed selfie. Whether you're decked out in costume or just feeling the spooky vibes, strike a pose and share your frightfully fun photos with us.

Remember to tag us using #GalleryGhostSelfie for a chance to be featured on our page and win a £50 Sunderland Gift Card!

(FREE ENTRY - £5 PER PUMPKIN or £8 PER FLOWER PUMPKIN)

Get creative at our pumpkin decorating sessions, where kids and adults can enjoy the magic of Halloween! All materials are provided, and there's no limit to the fun we can have! So come down, and let's make your pumpkins come to life - no tricks, just treats!

Step into our dimly lit gallery, where flickering candles set the mood, and let your imagination run wild as you hear eerie tales of ghosts, mysteries, and strange happenings. Perfect for kids and adults, these bone-chilling stories will indeed send shivers down your spine!

Whether you're listening to classic ghost tales or spine-tingling ones from our Spooky Story Competition Winners, it’s a thrilling way to experience the magic of Halloween.

(FROM £4 PER FACE)

Transform yourself into a spooky masterpiece. Our talented artist will bring your Halloween look to life with intricate designs and vibrant colours. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s the ultimate way to complete your costume or add seasonal flair to your day.