WEEKEND OF SUMMER FAMILY FUN ACROSS THE CITY
Families enjoyed a packed weekend of summer fun at a variety of events held in Wearside.
On Saturday, city centre shoppers got involved in a street party on High Street West to celebrate improvements to the area.
The party featured a day of entertainment and activities, to highlight the major investments which have taken place there.
Organised by Sunderland’s Healthy High Street initiative, magicians, balloon modellers, face painters and buskers came out in force, along with goal shootouts and visits from Sunderland AFC mascots, Samson and Delilah.
Visitors were encouraged to take part in a treasure hunt and support a tombola, with all the proceeds going to the Stadium of Light.
The event was backed by Sunderland BID, Sunderland City Council and Siglion, with the aim of promoting the city centre and highlighting its regeneration.
“At a time when there is so much investment taking place in Sunderland, this is yet another opportunity for us to showcase the good work that is going on,” said Sharon Appleby, head of business operations at Sunderland BID.
Recent changes to High Street West include the creation of a more welcoming pedestrian environment, new paving, planting, signage and the installation of street furniture and feature lighting.
Meanwhile on Sunday, hundreds of families came along to a fun day event held at the Raich Carter Sports Centre,on Commercial Road.
Organised by Aspire Events North East, the day saw about 400 people turn out to enjoy a variety of activities including an animal petting corner, football matches, a bouncy castle and face painting.
Hayley Dobbing and Janet Blasi, co-owners of the company, said the event was one of many they organise across the region.
Hayley said: “We organise markets and festivals in the Sunderland and Seaham area.
“We have 60 events this year throughout the North East and this is the second fun day we have organised so far.
“On the day we had live exotic animals from Lola’s Arc, which was a highlight.”
The event saw children aged from one to those in their teens take part in the range of activities on offer.
Hayley said she was pleased with the success of the day.
She added: “It was a really good day and we had hundreds of people come along.”
“We had hundreds of people come along” HAYLEY DOBBING