FESTIVE FOOD MARKET BRINGS CHRISTMAS MAGIC TO SUNDERLAND

18 December 2024

SUNDERLAND’s much-loved monthly food market is set to end the year with a festive bang – with a bumper crop of vendors lined up and a special one-off new location.

The popular market is usually held at Sunnside, but because of the threat of high winds and potential bad weather, this week’s event on 22 December will be held at The Stables at the Sheepfolds.

Apart from the change of venue, it will be business as usual and to make the event more special, along with a whole host of top food providers, there will also be a collection of stands manned by local artists, who will be selling their work to anyone interested in a unique Christmas gift.

A range of local heroes will be selling their produce and visitors will be able to catch up with Santa and listen to a host of festive tunes, courtesy of DJ Jimi Dingwall.

Anyone who still hasn’t bought all of their festive tipple can top up from companies such as Wine On The Tyne, Wear Beer and Craft Beer Newcastle, as well as being able to buy from Love Leaf Tea.

For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, vendors include The Little Cakery By The Sea, doughnut specialists Deep North, Pink Lane Bakery, Simply Cheesecake and Awesome Chocolates.

Savoury offerings will be provided by stall holders such as Geordie Bangers, Weardale Cheese, Calder’s Kitchen, Farm Fermented Foods and Smashin’ Pasties, with Italian delicacies on offer from Itadeli and Italy Abroad Pasta.

The market will also play host to The Northern Bistro, Travelling Bee Company, The Yolker and Sunshine Co-Operative, along with non-food offerings from Brewery Jewellery and Didis Flowers.

Anyone who wants to eat on the day can tuck in from a number of food stalls, including the ever-popular Greek food from Acropolis and Arabian street food courtesy of Zenobia.

Sunderland’s Art Café has also brought together a number of creators who will be selling work on the day, including Peter Hayes Paintings, Ed Hiller Artist, Pink Collar Gallery, Jo Lamaroux Ceramics and vintage clothing from Port Independent.

The markets are organised by Sunderland BID in conjunction with Food and Drink North East and BID Chief Executive, Sharon Appleby, believes this is going to a special pre-Christmas treat.

“We’ve got an absolutely amazing line up of vendors for the last market of the year, perfect not just for a way to get into the Christmas spirit but to also get some last minute treats,” she said.

“And we didn’t want to let the potential bad weather ruin the day so we’ve decided on this occasion, to host the event at the Stables at the Sheepfolds, but will be back at Sunniside as normal next year.

“This will be a real showcase of North East talent, from food producers to artists and with lots of fantastic goodies for everyone to buy.”

Funding for the market is supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) following a successful application made by Sunderland BID, which led to an award of £202,253.

The markets are part of the Sunniside Activation programme, designed to build pride in place and a sense of community.