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
Sheepfolds
Stables Market9 August 2026
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!
Family Fun Day
@ Beacon of Light13 August 2026
The Foundation of Light is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special Family Fun Day for the local community.
Join us for a fantastic day packed with activities for all ages as we celebrate 25 years of making a difference in our community.
Beach Yoga
@ Seaburn Promenade15 August 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.
Spooktacular Lock In
@ Lush20 August 2026
Brooms at the ready! We will be holding a spooktacular private lock in event for all you spooky Lushies. On the eve of Thursday 20th of August at 6pm we will be holding a spooktacular private lock in event for all you goblins and ghouls to see and shop the new Halloween range.
There will be a Halloween product making session where you get to make your own spooky bath bomb to take home along with a goodie bay, live, exclusive product demonstrations of all the new goo-dies and some wickedly good games . Make sure to monster mash your way over to our store for 6pm.
K-POP Takeover
@ STACK20 August 2026
Get ready to dance, sing and shine at our Kids K-Pop Party, packed with interactive games, high-energy dance-alongs and the biggest K-Pop hits kids love. Learn fun choreography and feel like a pop star in a lively stage event perfect for the whole family. Come dressed in your favourite K-Pop-inspired outfits, bright colours, or idol-style looks and get ready to party!
Love the 90’s Festival
@ Keel Square22 August 2026
After multiple sell-out shows across the UK, Love The 90s Festival is taking over Keel Square, Sunderland, for a day of pure 90s nostalgia!
Get your tickets NOW!
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Beach Yoga
@ Seaburn Promenade22 August 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.
Girlypop Fest @Keel
Square Sunderland23 August 2026
GirlyPop Live is coming to Keel Square, Sunderland with your favourite Pop icons in one live show brought to you by the best tribute acts!
Get your tickets NOW!!
Kid’s Fest
@ The STACK27 August 2026
The Ultimate Family Festival returns for a third year, right here in STACK! Join us for a vibrant event packed with flags, bubbles, good tunes, non-stop dancing,
sing-alongs and epic games for all ages! Don’t miss the party everyone’s talking about — Kids Fest is where summer memories are made!Two dates available
The Bootleg Beatles
@ Keel Square28 August 2026
The world’s No.1 Beatles tribute act is coming to Keel Square for the Summer Series in the square in Sunderland.
Get your tickets NOW!
