ONE OF Sunderland’s biggest summer successes is set to return, courtesy of the bars in the Sunniside area of the city.
During last year’s World Cup games, the Fanzone attracted thousands of football fans who enjoyed the nail biting matches.
And now bar owners across Sunniside are bringing the Fanzone back, as part of a weekend of activity from 6 -9 June.
The Church Door, Sloanes Sports Bar, Bar Justice, Sams, Libby Mays, The Looking Glass, The Manor, The Independent and Gin and Bear It have joined forces to create a packed weekend of entertainment in and around Sunniside Gardens.
And that includes a number of screenings of big games, alongside a range of other activities.
The sporting action kicks off at 5.30pm on Friday 6 June, with the big screen showing the Nations League semi-final where England will play the Netherlands.
Then on Sunday 9 June, sports fans can watch the third round of the Nations League and the England v Scotland women’s World Cup game.
Anyone who isn’t interested in sport can still enjoy the party atmosphere and the rest of the programme.
That includes a Spice Girls garden party from noon until 5pm on 6 June, where entry is free – although tickets will need to be ordered in advance – with a DJ and a big screen which will show Spice Girls related music.
On Saturday 8 June the aim is to show family friendly movies – details which will be announced in the near future – from noon until 2.30pm, then from 5pm until 11.30pm there will be a second garden party with street food, bars and a number of top DJs.
These include Paul Bleadale, the longest standing Cream resident, Club Upside Down’s Chris Bungoni and CEEJ from Haze.
Tickets for all events are £2.50 – other than the free Spice Girls garden party – with family tickets available for the film screenings at £5 for two adults and two children.
All tickets need to be booked via www.musicglue.com/sunniside-events with limited numbers available so anyone wanting to attend is advised to book asap.
Harry Collinson, who owns The Looking Glass at Athenaeum Street, is part of the group who have funded the activities and hopes people will support the event.
“This is being fully funded by the bars and restaurants and I think we’ve pulled together a great few days of entertainment,” he said.
“There’s something for everyone, from sports fans to music lovers, so we are hoping for a brilliant turnout.”