Festival of Light 2024

What is the location of the Festival of Light? 

The Festival of Light will be held in Mowbray Park, Sunderland, SR1 1PP.

The entrance to the Festival is located on Toward Road.
 

What are the dates of the Festival of Light?  

The Festival of Light will take place from 25 October - 24 November 2024 from 4.30pm, Thursday - Sunday, with the exception of every day during half term.

Last admission will be at 7.45pm, and the event will close at 10pm each night.

Festival of Light will not take place on remembrance Sunday.

Quiet hours are 4.30pm-5.30pm on Thursdays.

Do I need to buy a ticket to visit the Festival of Light and how much are they?

Yes, all visitors must have a ticket to enter the Festival of Light. Tickets cost £5 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Children under 2 are free.
 

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

Yes.  When purchasing 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 non-refundable and therefore we cannot make any changes to your booking once it is confirmed. 
 

Can I pay on the gate to gain entry to the Festival of Light?

No. You must purchase a ticket online. Please do not travel to the event without a ticket.
 

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 to the amount of time you can spend 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 will be a selection of food and drinks available to buy in Mowbray Park.
 

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks however alcohol is strictly prohibited. Visitors are reminded to use the waste and recycling bins available.
 

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

Yes. Toilets and baby changing facilities will be available.
 

Are dogs permitted at the event?

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Please note that they must be comfortable with large crowds, flashing lights and loud noises. 

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?

Yes. 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 can 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.