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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The Night Market
@ STACK24 September 2026
Lower Plaza takeover, turning it into a haven of makers, vintage sellers, and indie traders, while the upper level stays open for eating, drinking, and soaking up that unbeatable Seaburn atmosphere!
Get your tickets now!
North East Automotive Expo
@ Beacon of Light24 September 2026
Exciting news! The North East Automotive Expo 2026 returns as the region’s premier event for automotive innovation, collaboration, and growth.
This flagship event brings together the entire automotive supply chain – from leading OEMs and tiered suppliers to technology innovators and industry stakeholders – to showcase cutting-edge developments, build strategic partnerships, and explore new growth opportunities.
Kroud Karaoke
@ STACK25 September 2026
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!
Kroud Karaoke is karaoke but not as you know it… It’s not just about one person singing but the whole entire “Kroud” singing together with the lyrics on the big screen as one…
RAF
@ Keel Square25 September 2026
Join us for an action packed weekend of activities, live demos and hands-on fun as the RAF takes over Sunderland’s Keel Square!
Are you ready? The RAF is touching down in Sunderland. Get a front row seat to experience some of what the Royal Air Force can offer you.
Mackem Market
@ The Train Station25 September 2026
Discover a vibrant new market featuring the finest local market stalls, unique goods, live paintings by local artists, and performances by Sunderland’s most promising musicians.
Every Friday from 10am to 2pm in Sunderland Train Station!
Country Bottomless Brunch
@ The 3 Stories26 September 2026
Bringing southern charm and honky-tonk energy straight to you.
Bottomless cocktails and prosecco
SUNDAY CLUB LIVE
@ Live Lounge27 September 2026
Happy Hour 3pm – 4pm with pints from £2.50!
A 5 piece Rock band made up of members with decades of experience in playing music. Put together with nothing but passion for the music, they endeavour to deliver a hard hitting electrical infused night full of rock and pop for you to enjoy.
Fleetwood Mac Tribute
@ The Empire Theatre1 October 2026
The music of Fleetwood Mac needs absolutely no introduction. One of the defining acts of the past century, their phenomenal impact changed the face of music globally. Join a cast of top West End singers and a stellar live band touring the UK with a special show celebrating the iconic act, performing a set of their best loved songs including “The Chain”, “Little Lies”, “Don’t Stop” and more.
Forming in 1967, Fleetwood Mac sold a staggering 100 million records worldwide and their music is one of the most recognizable sonic pop-culture touchstones in the world. Not that their popularity ever faded, but in recent years they’ve found a renaissance among Gen Z and Millenial listeners due to the viral success of “Dreams” on social media.
