Sunderland really has been the place to be this year; the illuminations, the air show not to mention the Christmas celebrations about to be upon us.
So it was wonderful to hear the announcement that the Tall Ships Race will be crossing our River Wear in 2018.
The four day race will attract thousands to Wearside all hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent ships docking in the Port of Sunderland. The municipally owned Port said it has recorded an increase in ships tonnage between April 2013 and March 2014, with a total of 365 vessels sailing through its piers, as well as record numbers of large vessels using its facilities.
These historic vessels will certainly add a touch of nostalgia as the Race is set to bring %50m boost to the local economy. It will be superb to witness our river once again populated with ships and many, myself included, will reminisce of when Sunderland was once the largest shipbuilding town in the world.
Over recent years the seafront and the riverside have undergone extensive award winning regeneration works and it will be uplifting to see everyone coming together and enjoying the river.
As chairman of the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) we actively got involved with the bidding process and asked all colleagues and our 140 tenants to get behind the bid and support the campaign. We supported the bid because we wanted to show our support from the business sector and it is a common feeling that the benefits of the Tall Ships visiting will create huge opportunities.
Sunderland really is a city reborn and this will create a legacy that will bridge the past with the future celebrating our maritime heritage. Our city has a strong and vibrant business community, which stands to benefit enormously.
Even though this event is a few years away it is time to celebrate and I congratulate Sunderland City Council for this huge achievement on bringing an international event to our region and I am truly excited to see just how many businesses will reap the benefits.
Sunderland really is showing everyone why it is the hostess with the mostess.
