Free events celebrating Sunderland’s history will begin this week as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture.
Running from 11 to 20 September, this year’s theme is Everyday Histories, celebrating the people and stories that have helped shape local communities.
In Sunderland, visitors can explore some of the city's most significant heritage sites and discover more about their past.
The engineering, design and construction of the mid-Victorian age will be on display at Ryhope Engines Museum in the former Ryhope Pumping Station, which provided water to Wearside for 100 years. Volunteers will be on hand from 11am – 4pm on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September and the resident blacksmith can make visitors a unique memento of their visit.
The North East Land Sea & Air Museum (NELSAM) will be offering the opportunity to get up close to the Royal Metro Train, which was delivered to NELSAM in June, and is being prepared for display in early 2027. Volunteers will be on site to provide a guided tour of the Royal Metro between 11am – 4pm on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.
Phoenix Hall on Queen Street East, the country's only purpose-built Masonic Hall of its type, is celebrating its 241st anniversary this year. Volunteers will be on hand to showcase the Grade I listed building's features on 13 and 20 September, from 10am to 4pm.
At Holy Trinity Church, the Seaham Shanty Men will perform songs from the coalfield and the sea on Saturday 19 September, from 1pm to 4pm, as part of an afternoon hosted by the 17Nineteen Society.
At the coast, volunteers at Roker Pier and Lighthouse will open the tunnel entrance and ground floor of the lighthouse on Sunday 13 September, from 10am to 4pm, offering visitors a rare glimpse inside.
Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Cllr Ciera Hudspith, said:
Heritage Open Days gives residents and visitors a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the history of our area and the stories behind our local heritage.
"I would encourage people to take advantage of these free events and learn more about the people, places and traditions that have helped shape our city.
Visitors can also discover Sunderland's newest cultural destination when Culture House opens its doors on Saturday 12 September. The landmark city centre venue will be home to Sunderland's new library, local history collection, dedicated children's space and a range of cultural, learning and community facilities.
Find out more about Heritage Open Days at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
