New Year's Eve Firework Spectacular

What is the Sunderland New Year's Eve Celebration?

The Sunderland New Year's Eve Celebration is a major city event featuring live music, tribute bands, DJs, interactive digital art, a community parade, food and drink stalls, fairground rides, and two fireworks displays - one for families at 6.30pm and a midnight spectacular to ring in 2026. 

Where is the event taking place?

The main celebration will take place at Keel Square, along Keel Edge and St Mary's Boulevard, with activities extending across the new Keel Crossing footbridge linking both sides of the River Wear.

What are the event times? 

Afternoon - Family activities and tribute bands, fairground rides, food & drink (from 3:00pm)

5.45pm - Community Parade across Keel Crossing

6:30pm - Family Fireworks Display

Evening - Live DJs, interactive visuals, fairground rides, food & drink (from 7:00pm)

Midnight - Countdown and Fireworks Finale

Who is performing?

Afternoon (from 3.00pm) - Harry Styles tribute, Sabrina Carpenter tribute, Northern Daughters, and iStage stage school.

Evening (from 7.00pm) ABBA tribute, Michael Gray, Ibiza in Symphony, Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago, and Fleur East. Sunderland City Council will be delivering the city's New Year's Eve celebration in and around Keel Square on 31st December 2025.

Will there be fireworks?

Yes! There will be two spectacular displays:

• 6:30pm Family Fireworks - perfect for children and families who want to celebrate early.
• Midnight Moment - a high-impact fireworks and music display to welcome 2026.

Where are the best viewing spots for the fireworks?

Keel Square, Keel Edge and St Mary's Boulevard will be perfect locations.  Keel Crossing footbridge will have managed access and stewarding at selected times for public safety, with closures during each of the two firework displays (6.15-6.45pm and 11.30pm-12.15am).

Is the event free to attend?

Yes! All entertainment, including the fireworks, parade, and stage programme is free of charge. Food, drink and fairground rides will be available for purchase.

Will there be road closures?

Yes. Temporary road closures and diversions will be in place around Keel Square, Keel Edge for public safety. A road closure will be in place on St Mary's Boulevard from 00:01 on 31st December until 06:00 on 1st January. This closure will include Plater Way and the left turn from Garrison Fld Road.

Is the event accessible for wheelchair users and people with disabilities?

Yes. Keel Square and surrounding areas are fully accessible. There will be accessible toilets and limited disabled viewing platform at the front of the stage

Will there be security and first aid on site?

Yes. Trained stewards, licensed security personnel, and first aid teams will be present throughout the event. The site will also be monitored by CCTV for everyone's safety.

How do I get to the event?

Sunderland city centre is easily accessible by public transport, with nearby Metro, bus, and rail connections.

Metro

Running a broadly normal service until 9.00pm with an approximate 12 minute frequency on daytime and 15 minute frequency in the evening. After 9pm, the frequency reduces to approximately half-hourly, with the last train from Sunderland towards South Hylton at 11.30pm and from Sunderland towards Newcastle at 11.57pm. 

For more update to date information please see the Metro website and social media channels.

Local bus services

For more update to date information please see local bus service websites and social media channels.

 Is parking available?

Yes.  We have special rate event parking available for advanced booking in Riverside Car Park.  This is £1 from 3.00pm to 1.00am.  Pre-booking is essential and you can book by following this link parking portal.  You will be required to create a customer account.  More information around other city centre car parks can be found at the end of this document*

What is the community parade?

The Community Parade will celebrate Sunderland's creativity and unity, featuring community groups, and performers. The Parade will travel across the new Keel Crossing footbridge, symbolising connection across the River Wear.  Starting from the Stadium of Light and working their way across the Keel crossing, each group will have a performance on Keel Square before heading down high street west and back over the Keel Crossing.

What's special about the Keel Edge Totems?

The new Keel Edge Totems will feature bespoke free interactive digital content which is accessible via a QR code.

Will there be food and drink available?

Yes. A range of food stalls and licensed bars will operate throughout the event.

What are the opening times of the fairground on High Street West?

The fairground is open from 12.00noon to 12.30am.

Can I bring children?

Absolutely! The event is family-friendly, with dedicated early fireworks, entertainment, and activities designed for children.

What should I wear?

Please dress for the weather - the event is outdoors, therefore warm clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended.

Who organises the event?

The event is funded and programmed by Sunderland City Council and Expo Sunderland.

How can I get involved?

There are opportunities for performers, and community groups to take part. We're working closely with community groups across the city, and we're inviting more groups to join the celebration. If you wish to get involved, please complete the form by following this link https://forms.gle/7fFCubaMgQt1xEe77

The Sunderland NYE Celebration is a free, family-friendly event designed for all ages.

The 6.30pm fireworks display allows families with children to celebrate safely before bedtime.

The programme supports Sunderland's "City of Events" vision by creating vibrant, inclusive city-centre experiences.

The event strengthens community connections and provides an important boost to local hospitality and retail businesses.

If you have any questions, please email[email protected].

*Additional Parking Information

Free car parking after 3pm

Station car park, Holmeside, SR1 3JE

West Wear Street, SR1 1TW

Charles Street, SR1 1XB

Nile Street, SR1 1EY

Tatham Street, SR1 2QB

Gorse Road, SR2 7DB

Free car parking after 6pm

Boughton Street, SR1 3NH

Riverside multi storey car park

Farringdon Row, SR4 6BE - operating until 1am

Pre booked event parking will guarantee £1.00 flat rate.  The motorist is required to set up an account on our parking portal  then book event parking to guarantee a space. Event parking period ends at 1.00am.

Bank Holiday flat rate of £3 will apply from 1.00am-11.30pm on 1 January 2026

St Marys multi storey car park

St Marys Way, SR1 3AH - operating until 1am

No pre booking option. standard tariffs apply

8am-6pm £1.60 per hour

6pm-midnight £1.00 per hour

Bank Holiday flat rate 00.01am - 11.59pm £3.00

Sunniside multi storey car park

William Street, SR1 1UL- operating 24 hours, standard tariff applies:

Day rate £5.00

8am-6pm £1.40 per hour

6pm-midnight £1.00 per hour

Bank Holiday flat rate 00.01am-23.59pm £3.00