IT’S HAPPENING
IN 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.

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.

City Pride

Seafront Pride

AFFILIATE
MEMBERSHIPS

All businesses and organisations benefit from the work we do in Sunderland.

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

    • Oktoberfest
      @ High Street West

      16 October 2026

      Get ready for a weekend of steins, singing, dancing and authentic Bavarian entertainment as Oktoberfest arrives in Sunderland from Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October 2026.

      The festival will feature a packed programme of traditional Bavarian entertainment throughout the weekend.

    • Hocus Pocus
      @ The 3 Stories

      22 October 2026

      Experience your favourite films on the big screen at The 3 Stories, while being served themed food and drinks throughout

      This event features Halloween favourite, Hocus Pocus, for the spooky ones among us

    • NEK1 Championship
      @ The Point

      24 October 2026

      Get ready for an electrifying night of combat sports action as NEK1 Fighting Championship returns to The Point in Sunderland! Renowned for its high-energy fights and competitive matchups, NEK1 is a must-see event for martial arts enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

      Experience the adrenaline as top-tier fighters go head-to-head in boxing, K1, and kickboxing bouts that promise unforgettable moments for both participants and fans. NEK1 is more than just a fight night—it’s a celebration of skill, resilience, and Sunderland’s vibrant combat sports scene.

    • Sunderland Teenage Market
      @ North East BIC

      28 October 2026

      Come along to the North East BIC on Wednesday 28 October for the next Sunderland Teenage Market, delivered by Washington Mind in collaboration with the North East BIC.

      This Halloween-themed market gives young people the opportunity to showcase their talents, test out business ideas and gain valuable experience of running their own market stall.

    • EMOFEST
      @ THE POINT

      30 October 2026

      The Emo Festival is coming to Sunderland! 💀🖤

      The greatest tribute night to the music that was never just a phase… 🖤

    • Crowd at the Stack Seaburn

      Halloween Party
      @ Stack

      31 October 2026

      Join us on for a frightfully good time, as we get set for the grand return of our Kids’ Halloween Party – “It’s Too Good To Be Bad”!

      There’ll be a spooky disco, frightfully fun games, Halloween themed characters and of course, fancy dress is more than welcome.

    • Halloween Party
      @ Roker Hotel

      31 October 2026

      Join us at the Roker Hotel on Saturday the 31st of October from 4.00pm to 6.00pm for a Spooktacular Family Halloween Party you won’t want to miss! Our beautiful Ballroom will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland for a ghoulishly good time. Our star act for the day is our fantastic children’s entertainer and party DJ who will keep the little ones entertained with a kids’ disco, games, and plenty of prizes.

      Ticket prices are a steal, with kids’ tickets for £10 and adults at just £5, only available to purchase here! Kids will enjoy a delicious spooky packed lunch with a sandwich, drinks, crisps, fruit and sweets; all included in their ticket price.

    • Fire Station Sunderland

      Carpenters Tribute
      @ The Fire Station

      1 November 2026

      It’s time to get over that rainbow and make the smallest of dreams come true with A Tribute to the Carpenters.

      The original Carpenters tribute is back with a brand‑new show for 2025!

    • Rhyme & Shine
      @ Culture House

      1 November 2026

      Rhyme & Shine is a joyful session of songs, rhymes, music and stories for young children and their grown-ups.

      Sing, dance, play and learn together while developing early language skills and making new friends.

    • Billy Elliot
      @ Sunderland Empire

      4 November 2026

      Seen by almost 12 million people across five continents and honoured with more than 80 awards worldwide, Billy Elliot the Musical is one of the most successful and beloved British musicals of all time. Ten years after it last played to audiences in its original home of London and the UK, this landmark production returns at last.

      Set in a northern town during the miners’ strike of 1984/5, the show follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance that will change his life forever. As Billy dares to dream, his courage unites his family, inspires his community, and proves the transformative power of art. Brought to life by the award-winning creative team behind the film, with iconic music by Elton John, Billy Elliot is an extraordinary theatrical experience that has captivated audiences around the world.