Sunderland Live have announced that the newly entitled Sunderland Illuminations will light up Roker and Seaburn from Saturday 27 September until Sunday 2 November.
Building on the success of last year’s Roker Park Lights, this year’s event will see the sparkle spread to include several new locations along the newly refurbished Roker and Seaburn seafront.
Visitors to Roker Park will see Lewis Carroll’s classic tale ‘Alice in Wonderland’ being retold by several larger than life light installations depicting classic scenes and characters from the 19th century novel. The characters themselves will come to life every weekend to tell stories and help visitors explore the park’s magical spaces.
Things continue to get curiouser and curiouser as the Fairy Dell returns bringing with it a charm of hidden fairies that are waiting to be found by patient eyes and ears. Visitors will also enjoy the colourful dancing fountains that have grown in number since last year and will perform to a range of fantastical music and light. During the October half term a full programme of free craft activities and family entertainment will take place every day for families to enjoy.
Cllr John Kelly, Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture said “Following on from the great success of last year’s Roker Park Lights this year families will have even more to see and do. The displays will not only add to the beauty and atmosphere of the fantastic Roker Park and newly refurbished seafront but will also thrill and excite children of all ages.”
On sale throughout the event at both the Roker Park catering concessions and The Beach House will be a special Illuminations booklet packed with an exciting Hunt the Rabbit trail, a word search, pages for children and big kids to collect character autographs plus the chance to win a fantastic prize.
Chris Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Sunderland Live said: “After seeing Roker Park play host to thousands of visitors last year we always knew that we wanted to make this year’s Sunderland Illuminations even bigger. This event has a special place in the hearts of Sunderland’s residents and this year we have made sure that there will be plenty for families not only to see but also to get involved with.’
Roker Park will stay open every evening until 9pm.
For more information visit www.sunderlandlive.co.uk
