2026 news archive

Colombo Road children's home in Castletown is celebrating once again after being recognised as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted for the eighth year running.

With just six weeks to go until BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend arrives in Sunderland, excitement is building fast. Sunday's tickets have now completely sold out, with limited availability remaining for Friday and Saturday.

Summer in Sunderland is about to get even bigger, with the announcement of two new headline shows with GirlyPop and global dance icon Armand Van Helden joining an already stacked August programme at Keel Square.

A Sunderland children's home has been recognised as outstanding by Ofsted.

Sunderland is going to the polls for a City Council election.

World-champion boxer Joshua 'Josh' Kelly is in line for an honorary Freedom of the City.

Community organisations across Sunderland are being encouraged to apply for support to help bring their festival or event to life, as the City Council prepares to open applications for the 2026 Festival and Events Fund.

Connecting Through Nature is taking an exciting step forward as the project team begin meeting communities across Sunderland.

Sunderland to Host Underground Rave as STAGES Festival Launches 2026 with "fstr."

Sunderland City Council's Coalfield Area Committee has part funded a new six metre banner celebrating the history of Hetton, created by the Hetton Local and Natural History Society. The Committee awarded £3,500 towards the project, alongside match funding from 3 Together Big Local and the Durham Freemasons Charity.

Roads, bridges and transport across Sunderland are set to be improved as the City Council's Cabinet will consider a £10.9 million programme of improvement and maintenance works.

Sunderland's Health and Wellbeing Board has approved a five-year strategy to help the city's residents live healthier lives.