In addition to dazzling light displays there will be a whole host of fun family activities at this year’s Sunderland Illuminations.
Starting on Saturday 26 September 2015 (schedule below) and running until Sunday 1 November, the city’s award winning seafront will be transformed into a colourful wonderland with a bigger and better lighting display than ever.
SCHEDULE
7 p.m.
- Welcome from compere
- Introduction to Winners of City Sings St Anthonys School
- Performance by Winners of City Sings
- Compere prepare the crowd for Spark Drummers Parade
- Parade start from Roker Park by Spark Drummers
- Spark performance at Main Arena
8 p.m.
- Welcome to the Leader and Lauren Laverne
- Welcome Speech by the Leader of Sunderland
- Countdown to switch on of Lights
8.07 p.m.
- Laser Show
8.14pm
- Laser Show Ends
8.15p.m.
- Compere advises the crowd of areas open to visitors and introduces Big Muddy (Swing Band)
- Performance by Big Muddy (Swing Band)
- Big Muddy (Swing Band) Performance Ends
9.00p.m.
- Compere closes stage programme
www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/illuminations or for Twitter follow @SeeitDoitSund
Councillor John Kelly, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, said: “I’d encourage everyone to come along with family and friends and make the most of this fantastic occasion. The event has miles of lighting, fun-fairs, a huge illuminated observation wheel, road train, side stalls, catering and roller rink. I think it would be fair to say that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“By working with partners and businesses the illuminations are a great example of how we, as a council can deliver high quality family events for residents and visitors to the city.”
Last year nearly 150,000 people visited the event and this year organisers are aiming to make the event even bigger and better than before.
Work has already begun with partners, Aurora/Balfour Beatty Living Places, and Blackpool Council to design and install this year’s illuminations.
Richard Ryan from Blackpool Council who are involved in overseeing the design and installation of the illuminations said: “It is a pleasure working with the teams here in Sunderland. Everyone involved is determined to deliver a fantastic event. I am sure that there will be something for everyone and it will be a great pleasure seeing this beautiful seafront lit up.
Over the next four years a sum of between £200,000 and £250,000 of council funding has been identified for infrastructure works to help improve lights.
A recent council report set out to strengthen the range of high quality lighting-based visitor attractions in Sunderland. The report highlights the need to develop the current event utilising both public and private investment.
This year also sees the start of plans to further increase income from advertising and sponsorship. In addition to this, local businesses and other beneficiaries of increased visitor attendance are being encouraged to increase their contribution to future illuminations.
Further details of all the activities for the Illuminations event are available at:
http://www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/illuminations
To pre-book tickets for the Roller Rink go to:
http://www.sunderlandlive.co.uk/events/sunderland-illuminations-2015
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