Sunderland shoppers are being invited to take part in a city centre celebration to mark the improvements made to a main street.
On 1 July High Street West will be transformed with a day of entertainment and activities, to highlight the major investments which have taken place in the area.
Organised by Sunderland’s Healthy High Street initiative, the event will see magicians, balloon modellers, face painters and buskers out in force, along with goal shoot outs and visits from SAFC mascots, Samson and Delilah.
Visitors will also be encouraged to take part in a treasure hunt and support a tombola, with all the proceeds going to the Stadium of Light.
The event is also being backed by Sunderland BID, Sunderland City Council and Siglion, with the aim of promoting the city centre and highlighting its regeneration, along with encouraging people to visit.
“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.
“It is going to be a day that families can really get behind and enjoy and we hope as many people as possible will come out to support it.”
High Street West has benefited from significant investment from Sunderland City Council which has led to the creation of a more welcoming pedestrian environment, new paving, planting, signage and the installation of street furniture and feature lighting.
At the same time, the council has introduced improved traffic management measures, as part of its on-going commitment to enhance the city centre.
Cllr Mel Speding, Cabinet Secretary at Sunderland City Council, added that the event would highlight the importance placed on improving High Street West.
“As one of the major streets in the city centre it’s important that it is attractive and welcoming for both local people and visitors,” he said.
“This investment and these improvements have achieved that and we are delighted that the Healthy High Streets team has organised a celebration to showcase the great work that has been done.”
