Pitch perfect for festivities
Sunderland is set to be in pole position this Christmas with the news that the popular Hadrian’s Tipi will be pitching up in the city for the festivities.
After building up a popular following at its previous winter seasons in Newcastle, the pop-up bar and food stalls will this year head to the city centre’s Keel Square.
Running from October 15 to January 7, the tipi is set to be an added attraction to the Sunderland BID ice rink, which is set to return this winter.
Sunderland-born businessman Neill Winch, chief executive of Danieli Holdings Group, which runs the tipis, said: “Having been born and raised in the city I’m really excited to be able to bring the experience of Hadrian’s Tipi to Sunderland.
“My local knowledge and wanting to give the people of the city a unique experience was a vital factor in deciding where our next tipi camp would be in the lead-up to Christmas.”
Sharon Appleby, head of business operations at Sunderland BID, which is working with Danieli Holdings on bringing the tipi to the city, believes it will be a real asset.
“The ice rink and the tipi at Keel Square will definitely add to the city’s Christmas experience, bringing in both local people and those from further afield,” she said.
Along with the tipi there will be seven street food operators serving a variety of artisan foods in and around the main tent, including authentic bratwurst and frankfurters from a traditional Schwenker grill.
One of the vendors, Alex Hatch, owner of Hatch 76, who will be serving their street food at Hadrian’s Tipi, said: “Hadrian’s Tipi in Sunderland will bring together the people in the city.”