Everything you need to know about Sunderland's Festival Of Light 2023

Kelly
Sep 24, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Oct 13, 2023

💡SUNDERLAND FESTIVAL OF LIGHT💡

This event is back for 2023 in a new location!

Craig and I both have fond memories of visiting the old illuminations when we were younger and our boys have enjoyed visiting, since the council introduced the Festival of Light, a few years ago.

A stunning light projection and sparkling new lighting installations are set to brighten the dark nights in Sunderland this autumn as our annual Festival of Light returns! This year, the festival will be relocating to Mowbray Park. A fairy trail will lead you through an atmospheric woodland glade to an illuminated fairy door transformed into a mesmerising and magical symphony of light and sound, to create a colour changing immersive experience.

There will be live music to enjoy in the bandstand, 'Selfie Lane' with its series of instagrammable selfie opportunities and a sparkling light tunnel over the bridge linking the two sections of the park.

Scroll to the bottom of this page for photos and booking link 👇

Here is EVERYTHING you need to know

WHEN❓ Every Thursday - Sunday from 12/10 - 11/11, plus everyday during half term.

WHERE❓ Mowbray Park, SR1 1QB

TICKETS🎫 Entry MUST be pre-booked! £3.30 per person. Group discounts available. Under 2's FREE but still need a ticket. Booking link at end of post.

PARKING 🅿 There are various car parks in the City centre. Council run car parks are free to use after 3pm, Monday to Friday. Click here for more details. PLEASE AVOID PARKING ON LOCAL STREETS!

I have put together these handy maps, showing the location of 3 council run car parks, within a 10 minute walk, all of which are free to use after 3pm, Monday to Friday.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT🚍 I always recommend using Tyne and Wear Metro or local bus services. Sunderland Station and Park Lane interchange are both a short walk from the park. There are various bus stops within easy reach of the park on John Street, Fawcett Street, Burdon Road and Toward Road. Find more public transport info here Nexus.org.uk You could also use a local taxi company, such as Station Taxis Sunderland 🚖

FOOD AND DRINK🥘 Food and drink is available inside the event, but there are lots of great, local businesses, within easy walking distance. One of our local favourites is Chilli Mangoes. Read our previous review, HERE

WILL THERE BE ENTERTAINMENT?

Yes! There will be various entertainment each night, from silent discos and stilt walkers, to walkabout entertainemnt and fire shows.