Watch the 2016 Sunderland Illuminations end in spectacular style, with a fantastic fireworks finale on Bonfire Night.
This Saturday (November 5) will see the last evening of this years’ sparkling event between 5 and 10pm, with last entry to Roker Park at 9pm. Motorists are advised that Whitburn Road between the Marriott Hotel and Bungalow café will be closed on Saturday night between 6-10pm to accommodate the expected number of visitors.
Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture Councillor John Kelly said:” We’ve had a fantastic number of visitors this year and it is great to see so many people enjoying themselves and making the most of the stunning location and impressive lighting displays.”
The firework extravaganza will be delivered by Double winners of the British Fireworks Championship “Fantastic Fireworks” The display will start at 9.30pm, with perfect viewing from Cliffe Park and along the seafront.
Roker Park being used for a whole host of new and exciting features, including pirates, dinosaurs and fairies, as well as old favourites including the Sunderland Tap and a Sea of Stars on the lake. Children can take on the role of a pirate, ride on the shuggy boats and take a trip to treasure island which leads to the lost island of dinosaurs. There’s a pirate adventure golf course, illuminated arts and lots of other exciting activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Cllr Kelly added: “We expect to have a busy last few days so I’d encourage people to buy tickets in advance, to save queuing on the night. There is also the option to use of the park and ride service too. It’s free for those using St Mary’s or Sunniside multi-storey car parks, and picks up and drops off in Keel Square.”
To help ensure that the event will continue to grow and develop a small entrance fee of £1 for Roker Park has been introduced for the first time this year (children aged 2 and under are free)
Tickets can be bought from: City Library (Fawcett Street), Bunnyhill Customer Service Centre, Washington Town Centre library, Houghton Library, Sandhill Customer Service Centre and Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. Tickets are also available from booths around Roker Park and at, Bede’s Cross and Marine Walk from 5pm every day during the event.
Further details of all the activities for the Illuminations event are available at: www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/illuminations or for Twitter follow @SeeitDoitSund
Further information
Model Railway in Roker Park
The Model Railway in Roker Park will be running on Fridays and Saturdays 5-8pm. There is no charge but donations are welcomed.
CLIFFE PARK
Illuminated Observation Wheel
The Illuminated Observation Wheel will return to the event again this year. It will operate 6pm -10pm on Saturday 24 September for launch night, and then every night until Saturday 5 November .Adults £4, children £3, or family ticket £10 (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children)
There’s also large pirate swing boat, Venetian carousel, children’s fairground rides and much more.
OCEAN PARK
Thrill zone fun fair for big scream rides.
HOW TO GET THERE
There will be no parking available in the streets surrounding Roker Park and the seafront.
Park and Ride from city centre
Friday 4 and Saturday 5 November
Pick up at St Mary’s Boulevard in the city centre, at bus stop opposite Keel Square, at the former Vaux site. Drop off at Keel Square. £1.50 per adult single trip, £2.50 per adult return, and £1.10 for a child day ticket (age 5-16). Under 5s travel free. Buses are wheelchair and pushchair accessible
Free travel for people parking in St Mary’s (postcode SR1 3AH) or Sunniside (postcode SR1 1UL) car parks and showing their car park ticket to the bus driver.
Park and walk
From University of Sunderland St Peter’s campus car park (postcode SR6 0DD) and National Glass Centre
£1.50 per evening, from 5pm. Approx 1mile/20 minutes walk to Roker Park.
Public transport
The nearest Metro stations are Seaburn (20 minute walk to Roker Park) and Stadium of Light (14 minute walk to Roker Park).
To find the best bus or Metro route for you go to http://www.travelinenortheast.info
