Festival of

Light

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.