Festival of Light Frequently Asked Questions

What is the location of the Festival of Light?   

The Festival of Light will be held in Mowbray Park, Burdon Road, SR1 1PP. 

What are the dates of the Festival of Light?   

The Festival of Light is open on the following dates and times.  Last admission will be at 7.45pm, and the event will close at 9pm each night. 

A Quiet Hour will take place from 4pm to 5pm on the following dates: 

Do I need to buy a ticket to visit the Festival of Light and how much are they? 

Yes, all visitors must have a ticket to enter the Festival of Light. Tickets cost £3 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Group discounts apply, and children under 2 are free. 

Do I have to attend at the time shown on my tickets? 

Yes.  When purchasing your ticket online, you will be asked to select an entry time. All visitors must attend at the time shown on their ticket. 

Can I change the date and/or time or cancel my ticket once purchased? 

No. Festival of Light tickets are strictly non-transferable non-refundable and therefore we cannot make any changes to your booking once it is confirmed.  

Can I pay on the gate to gain entry to the Festival of Light? 

No. You must purchase a ticket online. Please do not travel to the event without a ticket. 

Can I leave the Festival of Light and return the same evening with my ticket? 

No. Your ticket is only valid for the entry time stated on the ticket. If you leave you will be unable to return at a later time that evening. Once you have entered the Festival of Light there is no limit to the amount of time you can spend at the event. 

Is the Festival of Light accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs? 

Yes. The Festival of Light is fully accessible to pushchair and wheelchair users. 

Will there be new lighting features and activities at this year's Festival of Light? 

Yes. The majority of lighting features will be brand new combined with some classic favourites. You can expect some very exciting special additions this year. There will be activities each evening including family friendly characters and performances. 

Will there be food and drinks available on site? 

Yes. There will be a selection of food and drinks available to buy in Mowbray Park. 

Can I bring my own food and drinks? 

Yes. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks however alcohol is strictly prohibited. Visitors are reminded to use the waste and recycling bins available. 

Will there be toilets and baby changing facilities available at the event? 

Yes. Toilets and baby changing facilities will be available. 

Will Mowbray Park be free to access during the day? 

Yes. Access to the park will remain as usual until approximately 3pm every event day at which point the park will be closed for preparation of event visitors entering at 4pm.   

Which any roads be closed during the event? 

Due to Mowbray Park's city centre location, no roads will be closed during the event.  

Where can visitors to the event park?  

Parking is free in all On Street parking bays and car parks with the exception of Riverside Monday - Friday after 3pm.   

Surface car parks and On Street bays are chargeable on a Saturday 8.00am - 6.00pm. 

Riverside, St Marys and Sunniside car parks are chargeable on a Saturday. 

Surface car parks and On Street bays are free on a Sunday. 

St Marys, Sunniside and Riverside car parks are chargeable all day on a Sunday at a flat rate. £2.00 in St Marys and Sunniside and £3.00 in Riverside. 

You can find out more about where to park by clicking the links below: 

Car parks - Sunderland City Council 

On street parking places - Sunderland City Council 

Can I use public transport to get to the event? 

Yes. Visitors can get to the site using both bus and Metro services. Please visit www.nexus.org.uk/bus/timetables for the latest information.  

Who do I contact if I have a query about my tickets?

Please complete the form at www.seetickets.com/customerservice and a member of the team will contact you to discuss your booking.

Who can I contact if I have a question about the Festival of Light? 

Please email events@sunderland.gov.uk and a member of our team will be happy to help.