Sunderland City Council's Festival & Events Fund 2026/27 is now open, with the latest funding round inviting groups to explore this season's theme: RE:IMAGINE.
Delivered across four themed seasonal funding rounds each year, the Festival & Events Fund encourages organisers to develop events that align with a citywide programme of cultural and community activity. Each round offers a different theme to inspire new ideas, partnerships and experiences.
This season's theme, RE:IMAGINE, invites groups to rethink how people experience Sunderland's places, spaces, heritage, culture and communities. Whether it's transforming an overlooked space, breathing new life into a local tradition, creating a new cultural experience, or finding innovative ways to connect people, the theme encourages organisers to see familiar things differently and explore new possibilities.
The Festival & Events Fund supports new and emerging community-led events that can deliver economic, social and place-based benefits for Sunderland.
The fund aims to help local organisations establish sustainable events that attract visitors, increase footfall, support local businesses and strengthen pride in Sunderland's communities.
Grants of £100 to £5,000 are available in the first year, with further support available through a tapered funding model to help events become financially independent over time.
As well as providing financial support, successful applicants will receive guidance and advice from Sunderland City Council's Events Team, helping organisers develop their plans, strengthen delivery, and build long-term sustainability.
The fund is open to registered charities, constituted community groups, Community Interest Companies (CICs), social enterprises and local partnerships with a clear community focus.
The programme builds on the success of community-led events that have already benefited from support in Sunderland. Last year's popular Back to the Bandstand programme, including events hosted by The Bunker, brought live music and entertainment back to community spaces, attracting audiences of all ages and demonstrating the positive impact grassroots events can have on neighbourhoods and local businesses.
By introducing seasonal themes throughout the year, the Festival & Events Fund seeks to encourage a broader range of ideas and inspire organisations to develop distinctive events that celebrate Sunderland's communities, culture and identity in new and creative ways.
Councillor Ciera Hudspith, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, said:
Sunderland has a fantastic track record of hosting events that bring our local community together, showcase local talent and support our economy.
"Through our Festival & Events Fund, we want to encourage local organisations not only to create great events, but to think creatively about what our community could become. This season's RE:IMAGINE theme is all about fresh perspectives, new ideas and finding innovative ways to use our spaces, celebrate Sunderland’s culture and bring locals together.
"Whether that's transforming a familiar venue, reinterpreting a local tradition or creating something entirely new, we're looking forward to seeing ambitious ideas from groups across the city. We would encourage anyone with an exciting concept to get in touch and apply.
Kenny Sanger Director of The Bunker said:
The support we received through the Festival & Events Fund allowed us to create live events that brought people together, showcased local artists and gave residents a reason to reconnect with their local community. Funding programmes like this are important, as they help organisations test new ideas, build audiences and create enjoyable experiences that can grow over time.
The Festival & Events Fund supports projects that:
· Are new or in the early stages of development (less than five years old)
· Demonstrate clear benefits for local communities and the economy
· Show strong community involvement or leadership
· Take place within Sunderland and are open to the public
· Include plans to become financially sustainable within three years
· Respond to the current seasonal theme, RE:IMAGINE
Funding can be used towards a range of event costs, including marketing, performer fees, venue hire, staffing, volunteer support, equipment hire, health and safety measures and local supplier costs.
The Festival & Events Fund forms part of Sunderland's ambition to strengthen its reputation as a City of Events, supporting vibrant activity across the city and creating opportunities for communities to shape and deliver events that matter to them.
For this round, applicants are encouraged to consider how their event might reimagine spaces, experiences, traditions, creativity, community connections or the future of their neighbourhood, while delivering meaningful benefits for local people.
For information, guidance and support with applications, visit: Bring your event to Sunderland - MySunderland
