Sunderland looks forward to a bumper year of events

SUNDERLAND LOOKS FORWARD TO A BUMPER YEAR OF EVENTS

2022 promises to be a bumper year of exciting events in Sunderland with major new sporting attractions adding to the mix of old favourites.

New events this year include the British Triathlon Super Series Grand Final, which for the first time ever is being held at Roker and the seafront over the weekend of August 20 and 21, and the Tour of Britain which visits Sunderland for the first time on 6 September.

On Tuesday 10 May, the city also welcomes back the Tour Series, the UK's most prestigious cycle race, which was really popular when it came to Sunderland's city centre for the first time last year.

Councillor Linda Williams, Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, said: "We've got a really exciting mix of major new sporting events alongside firmly established family favourites in this year's programme and there really is something for everyone.

"Residents who took part in our Let's Talk Events consultation last summer told us that they wanted to see new and different events and ones that they can take part in themselves, as well as attend with family and friends. That's something that we've listened too and tried to reflect with this year's programme.

"New events for this year include the Lamplight Festival this August featuring international headliners Jack Savoretti, Kaiser Chiefs and Deacon Blue which I know lots of people will be really looking forward to. We're also hoping that some of the major new sporting events we've managed to attract to our city this summer, along with others that feature in the city's annual event programme will inspire more people to take up swimming, cycling and running themselves through our swim, bike, run programme over the next few years.

"So, it's not just about watching events as a spectator but taking part in them, whether that be volunteering or participating and enjoying all the physical and mental health benefits that you get from being active and out and about in our city with its fantastic green spaces, sporting facilities and coastline.

"Favourites returning this year include the Festival of Light, which last year was a sell out success, Houghton Feast and the Active Sunderland BIG 3k run, BIG Walk and BIG Bike Ride and our Active Sunderland Easter Family Fun.

"So I'd urge everyone to check out our events both old and new at www.mysunderland.co.uk as we look forward to an exciting year ahead."

Sunderland's action packed programme of events for 2022:

Thursday 14 April - Active Sunderland Easter Family Fun
An egg-stra special family day out with family friendly activities including led walks, cycling and running challenges, family games and the ever-popular Easter egg roll. Details of registration to follow.  

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May - Run Festival weekend including Active Sunderland BIG 3K Run 
City Centre / Keel Square
The Run Festival weekend gives the chance for every ability to get involved in a large-scale running event. From Events of the North's 5K, 10K and half marathon to Active Sunderland's family friendly 3K run, there is something to suit everyone. 
Entries to the Active Sunderland BIG 3K will open shortly. To enter the 5K, 10K or half marathon visit

Tuesday 10 May - Tour Series
Mowbray Park
An unforgettable day of community events and elite cycle racing as the Tour Series, Britain's most prestigious domestic cycling series returns to the city's Mowbray Park.

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May - Scrantastic Food Festival
Houghton le Spring Broadway and Rectory Park
A family friendly food festival featuring market produce, delicious street food and exciting cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs.  Weekend line-up coming soon

Sunday 26 June - Active Sunderland BIG Walk
Herrington Country Park 
Choose from 3, 7 and 11 mile routes and enjoy the sights of the beautiful Herrington Country Park and Penshaw Monument as you spot wildlife, sculptures and more on our ever-popular BIG Walk. Entries will open soon

Sunday 24 July - Active Sunderland BIG Bike Ride
St Peter's Riverside
Cycle along the scenic St Peter's Riverside before heading for the euphoria of crossing the finish line having completed an epic ride. Entries will open soon. 

Thursday 4 August - Music in Mowbray
Mowbray Park
A brand-new music event for 2022 will add to an already impressive summer of music in Sunderland.  Join host Joe McElderry as he welcomes duo Belle Voci, Faith Tucker and The Sage String Quartet for a simply wonderful evening in the park. Tickets will be on sale soon.

Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August - Lamplight Festival
Mowbray Park
International headliners Jack Savoretti, Kaiser Chiefs and Deacon Blue will take to the stage as the inaugural Lamplight Festival brings music to the city this summer. For full line up and to buy tickets visit

Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 August - British Triathlon Grand Final
Sunderland seafront
Watch the best British triathletes go head to head in an exciting action packed weekend of racing as the British Triathlon Grand Final is held in Sunderland for the first time.

Tuesday 6 September - Tour of Britain
Route tbc
Unforgettable free-to-watch spectacle as 100 of the world's best riders compete in the UK's most prestigious cycling race when it heads to Sunderland for the first time ever.

7-14 October - Houghton Feast
Houghton-le-spring
Traditional 10-day event which includes the Friday Night Launch,  community events, exhibitions, talks, tours, fireworks and more.

13 October - 14 November - Festival of Light / Sunderland Illuminations
Roker Park/seafront
Enjoy a sparkling evening of magical family fun as the ever-popular Festival of Light returns for 2022.  More details will be released soon.  

13 November - Sunderland Remembrance Service and Parade
City Centre
Members of the armed forces and Veterans join us to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. Local parades will also take place across the city. Further details to follow.

17 November - City Centre Christmas Lights Switch On 
City Centre
Christmas is officially launched with a flick of a switch as the Mayor of Sunderland switches on the city's Christmas lights. Join us for a stage programme of festive music and family fun.