WHEN is a door not a door? When it’s the way to get hold of thousands of pounds worth of fabulous festive gifts.
As part of the huge programme of Christmas activities being organised by the partnership between Experience It Here! Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Live, shoppers will be invited to look out for a specially created Advent Door which will be popping up around the city every day right up until Christmas Eve.
Anyone who sees the door – which will be unveiled on December 1 - will be offered the chance to choose a key and try and open it, with the lucky winner receiving a daily prize.
But even those who don’t win can still enjoy a magical Christmas, as shoppers can also take part in a free draw for a family trip to Disneyland Paris to be chosen on Christmas Eve – just by filling in an entry form and handing it in at the business of the day.
Prizes on offer include jewellery, watches, gift cards, hampers, SAFC game tickets, meals, books and clothing – all donated by stores from around the city centre.
And to get everyone in the party spirit each venue the door appears at will also be staging entertainment ranging from a meet and greet with Snow White to food sampling and craft activities to live music.
“We are delighted that so many of our retailers in the city centre have got behind this great promotion,” said Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID.
“It’s going to make shopping in Sunderland a must throughout December because there are some amazing gifts on offer along with all the entertainment taking place.
“And of course Christmas will come early for one shopper, when we draw the prize for the holiday on Christmas Eve.”
Zoë Channing, Head of Event Development at Sunderland Live added: “The range of activity programmed around the Advent Door means there truly is something for everyone in Sunderland city centre this Christmas.
“We look forward to seeing visitors taking part, and of course, winning fabulous prizes.”
The door will appear first on Dec 1 at Santander in the Market Square from 11am until 2pm with two prizes of a cheque for £123 each going to the day’s two winners.
Martin Kemp, Branch Director at Santander’s Waterloo Place branch said: “Christmas is such a special time and we’re delighted to be supporting and kicking off this great city initiative. We want to wish good luck to all the Christmas shoppers taking part.”
A full list of where the door will be every day can be found at www.experienceithere.co.uk/advent