The Sunderland Food and Drink Festival is returning to the city this summer from 5 June to 7 June 2026, building on a record-breaking 2025 event that saw approximately 50,000 visitors attend over three days.
Organised by the Sunderland BIDs, the festival will take place across High Street West and Keel Square. This year, the event is expanding to include the former Argos site on High Street West, which was purchased by Sunderland City Council as part of a wider project to regenerate the area. The new space will provide room for additional vendors and a second entertainment stage.
Roberta Redecke, Head of Business Services for the festival organisers, said the event helps boost the local economy and encourages visitors to return to the city. Local traders have previously seen tangible benefits from the festival, with some businesses reporting a 20 per cent increase in footfall and takings during the 2025 event.
The festival will run alongside two other community events, Pride In Sunderland and the Makers & Bakers market at The Bridges, creating a combined weekend of entertainment for the city. Organisers are currently seeking additional food and drink vendors interested in taking a stall at the Sunderland Food and Drink Festival and have asked interested traders to contact them at [email protected].
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