New Year's Eve
firework spectacular

31 December 2025 - 31 December 2025

Opening Times

TBC

Entry Fee

No

Booking Required

No

Venue

Keel Square

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.

This will see two free firework displays in the city centre on Wednesday December 31, with activities including a line-up of live music, children's activities, and a fantastic community parade, running from late afternoon through to midnight.

Families will be able to enjoy an early evening display at 6.30pm - perfect for those with little ones, looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate the New Year together.

Fireworks will light up the night sky again at midnight, in a spectacular finale to the evening - ideal for those looking to ring in 2026 in style.

In addition to the New Year's Eve celebrations, people are also being encouraged to save Thursday 13 November in their diaries for the city's Grand Christmas Lights Switch-On in Keel Square. More details will be announced soon about the exciting festive programme and what residents and visitors can expect.

The Festival of Light will not go ahead this year as the council focuses on delivering a refreshed winter offering.

Councillor Beth Jones Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council: "We were blown away by the positive feedback from residents and visitors after the stunning fireworks at the end of the Women's Rugby World Cup match in August.

"So many people told us how much they enjoyed the display and wanted to see more events like it. That's why for the first time ever, we're planning a free, double fireworks display this New Year's Eve - and we hope it will be just as popular.

"While the Festival of Light remains a cherished tradition, this year we're reshaping our winter programme to deliver something bigger, brighter and more inclusive for everyone to enjoy.

"By focusing resources on an ambitious New Year's Eve celebration, we aim to create a memorable experience for residents and visitors across the city.

"I'd urge everyone to save the dates - 13 November for our Christmas Switch-On and 31 December for our fabulous fireworks - and stay tuned for more exciting updates."

For the latest announcements, event details and ways to get involved, follow Sunderland City Council on social media and visit www.mysunderland.co.uk

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