| Where: | Formerly Sunderland, Tyne & Wear at Roker Park and nearby Roker & Seaburn seafront |
| When: | Formerly Evenings throughout October and November (sometimes into December) |
| Time: | Formerly 4 pm to 9 pm for Illuminations and Festival of Light 5-9pm (2021 times) |
A recent revival meant that for a few years the dark evenings were (sometimes) once again enlightened at Sunderland. The City Council organised the event and relaunched it in 2012, after the popular custom had taken a break since the 1990s. With a few gaps, the Illuminations had been a feature in town since the 1930s and the size of the crowds attracted to them is a testament to how popular they were with all ages. From 2019 the dating of the event shifted to late November into December but in 2021 returned through October into November. There were illuminations along the seafront with tableaux and displays all around the park and easy access for all, as well as food outlets nearby.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 the Festival of Light ran from 25th October to 24th November on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (daily during the half term holiday) alongside the traditional illuminations at Roker and Seaburn along the front (which were on every day). In 2025 the event took a break- currently the focus is on New Year fireworks and at least for now the Illuminations have lapsed.
Tickets for the event were usually available through the website link below.
Click here for the event website: https://www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/
I would really like to go tonight
If you visit https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/fol you can book tickets in advance- though some dates are already sold out.
Best of luck!
Hi when will the tickets be out for this year as my children specially my youngest one loved it last year.
Hi Natasha,
I’ve just checked the website and it says tickets will be available soon but not exactly when- follow the link to https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/fol and keep checking. Calendarcustoms isn’t connected to the organisation or ticketing for the Illuminations so we haven’t got any inside information- hope you get sorted!
Best wishes,
Averil
I am planning a short holiday in Sunderland and would like to be there when
there are illuminations in town?
When is the best time end of November or first week in December?
I will be travelling from Sweden
Kind regards
Angela
Hi Angela- you must have missed the 2022 dates in the Helpful Hints part of the page- the illuminations end this year on 12th November so they won’t be on at the end of November or early December- sorry to disappoint. Hope that’s useful,
Best wishes,
Averil