Sunderland Festival of Light 2024 - Everything you need to know

Stunning light projections created by international visual artists, a spectacular starscape and a giant glitterball are among the dazzling lighting installations visitors can enjoy when Sunderland Festival of Light opens next Friday.

New lighting features introduced for 2024 include 'The Mirror' created by Poland based award-winning visual artist Ari Dykier and 'Hypha' by French award-winning multidisciplinary artist Sebastien Labrunie.

Other new features for 2024 include Starscape which will create the illusion of a brilliant white starfield, Cosmic Oasis which will see trees lit up with UV light, a laser garden and a giant glitter ball in the park's historic Victorian bandstand which will act as the focal point of the nightly silent disco.

The sparkling light tunnel over the bridge linking the two sections of the park also make a return after proving popular with visitors last year.

Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, said: "I'm really excited about this year's Festival of Light.

"It's always a really popular event and we've got some fantastic new light installations this year together with favourites like selfie lane, the sparkling light tunnel over the bridge and our famous Sunderland sign.

"I can't wait to see the two new light projections created especially for the festival. I think they'll be real showstoppers and I'm also really looking forward to seeing the giant glitterball in the bandstand and the Starscape star field."

Visitors to this year's festival can also take advantage of 20 per cent off tickets for select performances of this year's Jack and the Beanstalk panto at the Sunderland Empire.

The offer will apply to price bands A - C for the following performances only: Fri 13 Dec - 7pm, Sat 14 Dec - 5.30pm, Sun 15 Dec - 5.30pm, Tue 17 Dec - 7pm & Thu 19 Dec - 7pm. To redeem the offer, make sure to opt in to hear from Sunderland City Council events when buying your tickets.

Sunderland City Council has also partnered with Nation Radio North East as media partner for this year's Festival of Light.

Nation Radio North East's Simon Grundy said: "As a partner this year, I'm so pleased Sunderland City Council are doing the Festival of Light again in Mowbray Park. It brings some brightness into our lives on these dark, cold evenings. There's something for everyone, and seeing the bairns face's light up, always brings a smile to my face."

For all those planning a visit to this year's Festival of Light, here's everything you need to know before you go:

When and where is the Festival of Light?

The Festival of Light begins on Friday 25 October and will then take place from 4.30pm - 10pm every day during half term Friday 25 October to Sunday 3 November and then 4.40 to 10pm every Thursday to Sunday until Sunday 24 November with the exception of Remembrance Sunday on 10 November. Last admission will be at 8.30pm, and the event will close at 10pm each night. This year's event is being held in Mowbray Park, Burdon Road, SR1 1PP in Sunderland city centre.  

What can I expect?

A sparkling mix of new lighting installations including two new stunning light projections, Starscape, Cosmic Oasis, a  giant glitter ball in the Victorian Bandstand as well as a 'selfie lane' and a twinkling tunnel over the bridge connecting the two sections of the park.

Do I need to buy a ticket to visit and how much are they?

All visitors must have a ticket to enter the Festival of Light.  Tickets cost £5 each and must be bought online in advance. They can't be bought at the gate. Children under two are free.

Do I have to attend at the time shown on my tickets?

Yes. When buying your ticket online, you will be asked to select an entry time. All visitors must attend at the time shown on their ticket. 

Can I change the date and/or time or cancel my ticket once purchased?

No. Festival of Light tickets are strictly non-transferable and non-refundable. Changes cannot be made to your booking once it is confirmed. 

Can I leave the Festival of Light and return the same evening with my ticket?

No. Your ticket is only valid for the entry time stated on the ticket. If you leave you will be unable to return at a later time that evening. Once you have entered the Festival of Light there is no limit on how long you can stay at the event. 

Is the Festival of Light accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs?

Yes. The Festival of Light is fully accessible to pushchair and wheelchair users. 

Will there be new lighting features and activities at this year's Festival of Light?

Yes there will be brand new lighting features combined with some classic favourites. You can expect some very exciting special additions this year. 

Will there be food and drinks available on site? 

Yes. There'll be a great range of food and drinks available to buy in Mowbray Park. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and drinks however alcohol is strictly prohibited. 

Will there be toilets and baby changing facilities available at the event? 

Yes. Toilets and baby changing facilities will be available. 

Will Mowbray Park be free to access during the day? 

Yes. Access to the park will remain as usual until approximately 3pm every event day at which point the park will be closed for preparation of event visitors entering at 4pm. 

Which roads will be closed during the event? 

Due to Mowbray Park's city centre location, no roads will be closed during the event.  

Where can visitors to the event park?

Parking is free Monday - Friday after 3pm at the following car parks:

• Gorse Road
• West Wear Street
• Charles Street
• Tatham Street
• Nile Street

On street pay and display parking bays are  chargeable all days between 8am-6pm at the hourly tariff including Sundays
Riverside, St Marys and Sunniside car parks are chargeable at all times.
All City Centre car parks are chargeable all day on a Sunday at a flat rate of £3
You can find out more about where to park and parking fees by clicking the links below:
Car parks - Sunderland City Council
On street parking places - Sunderland City Council

Can I use public transport to get to the event? 

Visitors can get to the site using both bus and Metro services. Please visit www.nexus.org.uk/bus/timetables for the latest information.

Who do I contact if I have a query about my tickets?

Please complete the form at www.seetickets.com/customerservice and a member of the team will contact you to discuss your booking.

Who do I contact if I have a question about the Festival of Light?

Please email events@sunderland.gov.uk and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Quiet Hour

A 'quiet hour' is available to book on selected dates for visitors looking for a quieter or calmer experience. During this time, music in the park will be turned down. Quiet hours are on from 4.30pm - 5.30pm every Thursday.