Sunderland Illuminations if back again for 2016 and is bigger and brighter than before!

Come along and join us at the fantastic annual event of Sunderland Illuminations along Sunderland's stunning seafront.

ROKER PARK

This year's event will see all of Roker Park being used for a whole host of new and exciting features, including pirates, dinosaurs and fairies, as well as old favourites including the Sunderland Tap and a Sea of Stars on the lake. Children can take on the role of a pirate, ride on the shuggy boats and take a trip to treasure island which leads to the lost island of dinosaurs. There’s a pirate adventure golf course, illuminated arts and lots of other exciting activities to keep the whole family entertained.

A small entrance fee for Roker Park has also been introduced for the first time this year, with a cost of £1 for everyone (children aged 2 and under are free).

Tickets can be bought for the launch night or for any other night, from the following outlets: City Library (Fawcett Street), Bunnyhill Customer Service Centre, Washington Town Centre library, Houghton Library, Sandhill Customer Service Centre and Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Plus tickets will be sold from booths on Cliffe Park, Bede’s Cross and Marine Walk from 5pm every day from 24 September.

Model Railway in Roker Park

The Model Railway in Roker Park will be running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the event, 5-8pm. There is no charge but donations are welcomed.

CLIFFE PARK

Illuminated Observation Wheel

The Illuminated Observation Wheel will return to the event again this year. It will operate 6pm -10pm on Saturday 24 September for launch night, and then every night until Saturday 5 November .Adults £4, children £3, or family ticket £10 (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children)

Plus a large pirate swing boat, Venetian carousel, children’s fairground rides and much more.

OCEAN PARK

Thrill zone fun fair for big scream rides.

HOW TO GET HERE

There will be no parking available in the streets surrounding Roker Park and the seafront. Please see Parking FAQs below for full details.

Park and Ride from city centre

Operating Saturday 24 September – Sunday 2 October (opening week), Friday 7- Sunday 9 October, Friday 14 - Sunday 16 October, 21 – 30 October (half term week), 4 - 5 November. See full timetable in attachments below.

Pick up at St Mary's Boulevard in the city centre, at bus stop opposite Keel Square, at the former Vaux site. Drop off at Keel Square. £1.50 per adult single trip, £2.50 per adult return, and £1.10 for a child day ticket (age 5-16). Under 5s travel free. Buses are wheelchair and pushchair accessible

Free travel for people parking in St Mary’s (postcode SR1 3AH) or Sunniside (postcode SR1 1UL) car parks and showing their car park ticket to the bus driver.

Park and walk

From University of Sunderland St Peter’s campus car park (postcode SR6 0DD) and National Glass Centre

£1.50 per evening, from 5pm. Approx 1mile/20 minutes walk to Roker Park.

Public transport

The nearest Metro stations are Seaburn (20 minute walk to Roker Park) and Stadium of Light (14 minute walk to Roker Park).