Sunderland City of Love,

Love is in the Air

Love is in the Air across Sunderland. Explore the Sunderland City of Love Trail this Valentine’s and enjoy creative workshops, romantic experiences and family friendly activities across the city.

Sunderland City of Love, Love is in the Air is a citywide Valentine’s celebration designed to bring people together over two days.

Whether you are planning a date, celebrating with friends, or enjoying a family day out, the Love Trail offers moments to make, share and remember. The trail connects venues across Sunderland through themed activity stations, including creative workshops, portrait sketches, photo opportunities and tasting experiences.

The event celebrates love in all its forms, while encouraging residents and visitors to explore the city and support local businesses and cultural venues.

Love Trail Map:
Plan your route and choose your stops across Sunderland.

Download the Love Trail Map: Coming Soon
Printed maps: Available at participating venues during the event, while stocks last.

What’s on across the Love Trail

YOLO Coffee & Kitchen at STACK Seaburn (Friday 13 Feb)

Love is in the Air: Paint Your Partner
Time: Meet at 6.45pm, session starts at 7.00pm
Price: £35 per person, booking required. £10pp deposit to be paid when booking, final £25pp to be paid on the night.
Ticket includes: All equipment, 16×16 canvas, mini easel, paints & brushes, take-home bag, and a drinks voucher.

Add a playful twist to your Valentine’s celebrations with this fun, light‑hearted creative experience. Join us for an evening where you and your partner become both artist and muse, capturing each other’s likeness in your own unique style. No experience needed just a sense of humour and a willingness to get creative together.

Suitable for: Couples (Bookings must be made for 2 people – you’ll be painting your partner)

Booking:Paint Your Partner @ STACK
Notes: Deposit of £10 per person required at booking, non refundable and dates cannot be changed. Balance payable at the event. Session lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Over 18s only – Challenge 25 applies, valid ID may be required

The Bridges Shopping Centre (Saturday 14th Feb)
Love is in the Air: Card making, caricature drawing and photo opportunity
Time: 11am to 3pm
Price: Free, no booking required

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a burst of creativity and fun! Join us for a delightful mix of card making, caricature drawing and a charming photo opportunity with our GIANT Love Heart, perfect for capturing the moment. Whether you’re crafting a heartfelt card, posing for a sweet snapshot, or having your personality sketched in a playful caricature, this drop-in event is all about expressing joy and making memories.

Let your imagination flourish and take home something truly personal to mark the season of love.

A relaxed drop in activity suitable for all ages.

Suitable for: All ages, family friendly
Access: Step free

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens (Saturday 14th Feb)
Love is in the Air: Ceramic Heart Painting

Session times: 11am, 12.45pm, 2pm

Price: Free, booking required, ages 16 plus

Add some love to your decor this Valentine’s Day with a personalised Ceramic Heart Hanging Decoration.

The ceramic hearts are perfect for expressing your creativity. Unleash your artistic flair using porcelain paint to give your 8cm heart a unique touch. Create heartwarming memories and let your creativity thrive with these adorable hanging decorations.

Sessions will be held in the Sunderland Museum’s Pottery Gallery and led by artist Kerry Cook from the Art Room

Booking: Love is in the Air: Ceramic Heart Painting | Sunderland Culture or book at the Museum shop.
Notes: Spaces are limited, pre booking essential

The Sheepfolds (Saturday 14th Feb)
Love is in the Air: Champagne and Canapé Tasting

Time: 11am to 3pm
Price: £90 per couple, booking required, ages 18 plus

Indulge in a sophisticated Valentine’s experience at The Sheepfolds with an exclusive Champagne and Canape Tasting event. Discover a curated selection of exceptional wines paired with delectable canape’s that will no doubt enhance the romance and all chosen to complement each other beautifully.

This elegant tasting session offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, savour new flavours, and enjoy a touch of luxury in a relaxed, stylish setting. Whether you’re treating a loved one or enjoying a refined afternoon out, it’s an experience designed to delight the senses.

Booking:Champagne and Canape tasting

Plus: The Maine Event Horsebox Photo booth
Time: 11am to 3pm
Price: Free, no booking required

Step inside the charm of The Maine Event Horsebox Photo booth and capture the magic of Valentine’s Day in style. This beautifully converted horsebox offers a unique photo experience, perfect for couples, friends, and families looking to create a keepsake moment.

Strike a pose, have a laugh, and take home a snapshot filled with love and personality. It’s a delightful drop-in activity that adds a touch of fun to your day at The Sheepfolds.

Suitable for: All ages

The Beacon of Light (Saturday 14th Feb)

Love is in the Air: Friendship bracelet making and portrait drawing
Time: 11am to 3pm
Price: Free, no booking required

Celebrate the season of love and friendship with a creative drop-in session perfect for families. Whether your child is taking part in sports activities or you’re simply visiting as a parent and wanting to get involved as a couple, everyone is welcome to join in.

Design your own friendship bracelets using colourful threads and beads and sit for a charming portrait drawing created by our friendly artist. It’s a relaxed, hands-on activity where you can unwind, be creative, and take home something meaningful.

A lovely way to spend time together and add a little extra joy to your day at the Beacon of Light.

Suitable for: All ages

Notes: Drop in session

National Glass Centre (Saturday 14th Feb)

Love is in the Air: Glass Love Heart Making

Session times: 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

Price: £50 per person, plus £7 to £20 depending on chosen art, booking required, ages 16 plus

Create something truly unforgettable this Valentine’s season with a hands-on glass making experience at the National Glass Centre. Guided by expert glass makers, you’ll craft your very own glass love heart, choosing colours and styles that reflect your personal touch.

This immersive workshop offers a rare opportunity to work with molten glass and learn traditional techniques in a world‑class studio environment. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply exploring a new craft, you’ll leave with a beautiful keepsake made by your own hand.

Tickets: Make A Glass Valentine’s Heart | Sunderland Culture
Notes: Advance booking essential

Washington Arts Centre (Saturday 14th Feb)
Love is in the Air: Introduction to Latin Dancing for Couples

Time: 12 noon to 1.30pm
Price: Free, sign up required

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fun and lively dance experience! Join Peter from Salsa Simplemente for an exciting couples’ class where you’ll learn the essential steps and rhythms of Latin dance styles. Perfect for beginners, this session is all about moving together, building confidence, and enjoying the music.

Step into the rhythm of romance with a lively and welcoming Introduction to Latin Dancing for Couples at Washington Arts Centre. This relaxed session invites you to move, laugh, and connect as you learn the basics of Latin dance in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

Sign up: Introduction to Latin Dancing for Couples | Sunderland Culture