Leadership blog - 01.11.18

The spectacular Sunderland Illuminations and Festival of Light have been underway for a couple of weeks now and the reaction has been really fantastic.

We've brought the Illuminations back again this year due to popular demand and it's great to see the crowds enjoying the event along our wonderful Seafront and in Roker Park.

People like to come back year after year to see their favourites but also to see the new lights and features that we've added.  A highlight this year is the Sunderland Sphere which measures 18 metres across and is made up of huge screens where visitors can have their name or messages up in lights.

There's an illuminated observation wheel on Cliffe Park, catering stalls and fairground rides and the Seafront will be lit up every day up to 18 November, apart from Remembrance Day on 11 November.

And then more magical lights and attractions can be found in Roker Park which has been transformed into a Festival of Light, open Thursdays to Sundays again until 18 November apart from the 11 November.

A park and ride system is in place making it easy to access and it's free to visit the Seafront Illuminations.  There's a small £2 fee for over 2s, with tickets booked online in advance for Roker Park.

It's a really happy and enjoyable time of year in Sunderland to see both residents and visitors  marvelling at the lights, wrapped up in hats and scarves and having fun with family and friends and there's much more to come before the year's out!

We're going to have the Christmas Lights Switch-on in Keel Square on 22 November which is always a lovely event for all the family and there'll be lots more going on in and around the city centre over the festive period with places for food and drink, ice-skating and late night shopping.

You can find information on the Illuminations including ticket bookings as well as details of all the other events and activities going on in Sunderland, by visiting our See It Do It Sunderland website.

Have fun!

Cllr Michael Mordey

Deputy Leader