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
Seven Drunken Nights @
The Sunderland Empire21 April 2026
Performed by a phenomenal cast of Irish musicians, the show is packed full of classics like Whiskey in the Jar, The Irish Rover and Rocky Road to Dublin – guaranteed to get your toes tapping as they bring the joy of this much-loved Irish folk band back to the stage.
We Rock
@ Sunderland Empire22 April 2026
Join Kathleen Davis Stage School on a fantastic adventure as they climb the ladder to success. Starting on the lowest rung, they all love to dance, but will they make it to the very top – who knows?
Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest
@Stadium of Light24 April 2026
Get Your Tickets NOW!
KROUD KARAOKE
@ The STACK24 April 2026
KROUD KARAOKE x STACK SEABURN
The North East’s BIGGEST sing-a-long event is back. So leave your worries and immerse yourself in the party that is Kroud Karaoke!
The Bodyguard @
Sunderland Empire29 April 2026
Former Secret Service agent-turned-bodyguard Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
Makers &
Bakers Market2 May 2026
A fantastic variety of handpicked artisan local gift shopping stalls located in the Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland.
Stalls include handmade gifts, art, delicious homebakes, gourmet sweet treats, photography, keepsakes, pet accessories, pamper products and so much more!Entry is free.
Georgia Groove
@ STACK Seaburn2 May 2026
5 Piece Pop Party Band from Newcastle, with exquisite musicianship and fabulous female vocals.
Algorhythm
@ STACK Seaburn3 May 2026
Algorhythm are a professional function band based in the North East of England.
Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Fleetwood Mac, Amy Winehouse, and No Doubt, they seamlessly blend classic rock, modern pop, and everything in between to create a dynamic and electrifying performance.
Waitress
@ Sunderland Empire4 May 2026
Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.
The Houndcats
@ STACK Seaburn8 May 2026
The Houndcats are an authentic rock n’ roll experience. They exquisitely recreate the sound that shaped a generation, performing hits from the likes of The Beatles, Elvis, Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones.
The Houndcats are a very popular band and a Stack favourite.
