Park could host lights festival for second year

The event returned to Mowbray Park last year for the first time since 2019

A popular illuminations festival could be held in a city park for the second year running.

The annual Festival of Light in Sunderland moved to Mowbray Park in the city centre last year.

The council has now submitted an application for a temporary change of use of Mowbray Park to hold the event there again.

It will take place between 25 October and 24 November.

According to planning documents, the festival will feature children's rides, a "food, drink and music village", and a "selfie lane".

There will also be a light tunnel, projections and a silent disco.

The event is traditionally held at Roker Park, near the coast, and was back at Mowbray Park last year for the first time since 2019.

Planning permission is needed because of potential heritage impacts on the Grade II listed park, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A heritage statement noted the festival had been designed to "minimise the harm on the park" and no permanent changes were needed.

Installations would not be "attached to any of the listed structures within the park", the council added.

According to planning documents, up to 8,000 visitors per evening are expected, and the festival will be ticketed with time slots.

A decision is expected in the coming weeks.