IT’S HAPPENINGIN SUNDERLAND
We are creating a vibrant city with opportunities for everyone.
Access invaluable business support, learn about how our city is developing, access an array of fantastic events and see everything that’s #HappeningInSunderland – all in one place.
WE’RE IMPROVING
SUNDERLAND
We are working to create a city we can all be proud of. Our priorities ensure our goals are met and we are accountable for the promises we make.
These priorities represent our driving force to build a safe, clean & attractive environment, to ensure our city business voices are heard at the highest levels, and to raise Sunderland’s profile regionally and nationally.
PRIDE
We are changing perceptions and building civic pride in our city centre, enhancing and celebrating the unique character and appeal of the seafront by ensuring our city is a welcoming, safe, clean, and attractive environment for everyone.
VOICE
We provide a robust and collective voice for our businesses at the highest level to make good things happen to improve Sunderland’s trading environment as well as amplifying the needs, concerns, and aspirations of our city businesses.
PROMOTION
We raise the profile of Sunderland as a destination regionally and nationally and create a year-round programme of city-wide marketing activities, high-profile events, and promotional campaigns.
AFFILIATEMEMBERSHIPS
Therefore, we have extended many of the benefits our levy payers enjoy to other businesses around Sunderland by creating an Affiliate Scheme.
All businesses can partner with Sunderland BID to help shape a bright future for our city in a non-voting capacity. Affiliates of the BID will not be able to join the BID’s Board of Directors, but you can enjoy appropriate services and get involved in relevant projects and campaigns.
WE ARE
YOUR BIDS
Sunderland’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) is a collaborative effort driven by businesses, united under a single vision: to create a vibrant city with opportunities for everyone.
Since our inception in 2014, we have injected over £6 million into enhancing the city centre. Through the backing of our levy payers, business stakeholders, and essential partners, we have formulated a pragmatic and attainable blueprint for the future, expanded to include Sheepfolds and launched the Seafront BID.
WHAT IS
GOVERNANCE?
Governance might seem a boring and dry subject, but actually, it can be fascinating and hugely dynamic as it consists of the processes, policies and laws which will affect how an organisation is managed.
In the case of Sunderland BIDs, the processes and policies are directed and controlled by our Board of Directors to ensure that performance and risk are managed effectively.
LATEST EVENTS
Mackem Community Event
@ City Hall8 September 2026
Big News Sunderland
A Free Community Event to Connect, Support & Empower Local Residents
The Mackem Community Launch Event will take place on Tuesday 8 September from 10am to 3pm at City Hall, Sunderland offering a free and welcoming space for local residents to connect, access support and meet organisations working across the city. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy free refreshments, receive donated clothing and toiletries and speak with partner organisations providing guidance, and signposting services.
We’re delighted to confirm attendance from Disability North, Sunderland Foodbank, The Community Shop, Age UK Sunderland and Sunderland Mind, with additional partners expected to join us as the event grows. This launch has been generously supported by Morrisons Seaburn, Hebburn Helps, Ringtone Riches, and Greggs Café Sunderland, whose donations help us offer practical support to residents.
Go give their brand new Instagram page a follow to stay updated
Man in the Mirror
@ The Fire Station11 September 2026
Join us for a THRILLER of an evening, as we celebrate the legendary music of the KING OF POP.
This is the “Man in the Mirror” – The brand new must-see, electrifying tribute concert to Michael Jackson.
Beach Yoga
@ Seaburn Promenade12 September 2026
Views, fresh air, yoga, relaxation.
Yes please! We live in a BEAUTIFUL part of the world and there is nothing better than a yoga session overlooking the ocean.
Art, Craft, and
Graze Market12 September 2026
The Art, Craft & Graze Markets are all about slowing down, having a wander, and meeting the people behind the work.
Sheepfolds
Stables Market13 September 2026
The artisan food and drink market will be held on the second Sunday of each month going forward. Visitors can wander around the many stalls and purchase from a range of local independent traders offering the very best produce, from crafted gifts to specialist breads and cakes, organic vegetables, charcuterie and more!
Lock in Extravaganza
17 September 2026
Calling all Snow Fairy fans!
Yule not want to miss this one! On the evening of Thurs 17th of September at 6pm we will be holding an Xmas lock in for all you Lushies! Calling all Snow Fairy fans!
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Lush LITTLE ELF’S XMAS
EXPLORATION17 September 2026
HO-HO-HO Too early? Never.
There’s Noel time like the present! Let your little ones dive head first into our Christmas magic event as we explore together the joys of christmas with a first look at our exciting new range! Elf’s putting their hands in bowls is highly encouraged to explore and feel all of the new products right on launch day and to make their own magical Christmas bath bomb ready to sleigh the day away.
Trance Day
Party19 September 2026
The Trance Day Party is coming!
Calling all ravers and hands-in-the-air dance floor dreamers!
Dirty Dancing
@ Sunderland Empire22 September 2026
Dirty Dancing returns to Sunderland as part of a UK and Irish tour. Exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.
See the hit film come to life before your eyes with this fantastic, emotional and triumphant live stage show.
Careers Fair
@ SoL23 September 2026
The Sunderland Jobs Fair is hosted at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland AFC, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1SU.
The event runs from 10am – 1pm and has an Eventbrite ticket allocation of 1,000 local candidates per event.
