We received the following email from local resident Elaine Hannington and loved it so much we thought we'd make it into a blog post for everyone to enjoy! Elaine was born in Sunderland and is very passionate about it being UK City of Culture in 2021. Enjoy reading why she thinks our city is a special place and why it deserves to be awarded this accolade...
I would like to wish my home Sunderland, the City by the Sea, the very best of luck in the bid to become City of Culture in 2021, and to give you my comments on why I think that our city is a very special place and well deserves to be awarded this accolade.
I perceive ‘Culture’ to be many things, not just opera, theatre and art as many people believe. Culture is what people enjoy, the thing that enhances their lives and defines who we are.
The breadth of culture available to every one in Sunderland is vast. One of my very early memories is going to the Sunderland Empire Theatre aged 5 to see Peter Pan – I loved it, and have continued to love live theatre ever since. We are so lucky to have this amazing refurbished theatre that provides first class musical shows direct from the West End.
Sunderland has also staged many fabulous concerts featuring world renowned artists such as Beyonce at the impressive Stadium of Light. This stunning Stadium, home of Sunderland AFC, offers Premier League Football action, and is one of the leading stadiums in the country. It is the spiritual home to many Sunderland supporters and is definitely a cultural asset to the city.
There are also a wide range of events held in all areas of the city including the International Air Show attracting millions of people each year. Many large events attract national and international audiences as well as providing local residents with first class entertainment. There are also a huge range of community events, several of which are held in our beautiful award winning parks.
Outside of the City Centre, Arts Centre Washington delivers a diverse programme of theatre, musical and craft events as well as providing a range of activities, tuition and a programme of arts related events for people of all ages.
Our beautiful coastline has undergone much development in the last couple of years and the Blue Flag winning resorts of Roker and Seaburn offer many cultural experiences to residents and visitors alike.
Sunderland has a great past, once being the largest shipbuilding town in the world, and this history is celebrated in Keel Square with the themed ship mast street lights, the ships propeller and the fascinating keel line, naming all the ships built on the Wear. Keel Square is also a great events area, holding diverse events such as Chinese New Year celebrations, Christmas markets and ice rink, and much more.
Long before shipbuilding was established on the Wear the town was famous for glass making and The National Glass Centre has a permanent exhibition on the history of glass making in Sunderland. The Glass Centre has a programme of exhibitions featuring glass themed artworks from all over the world. The Restaurant also hosts regular social evenings featuring Jazz and other genres of music. St Peter’s Church in Monkwearmouth is also a site of great historic and cultural interest. The church was the home of the Venerable Bede in the 7thC and is a very important site connected to many of the Northumbrian Saints.
There is a flourishing Antiquarian Society that celebrates our proud past and offers many interesting talks, the areas of ‘Old Sunderland’ such as Trinity Church,Trafalgar Square and Donnison School also adds to the Cultural experience of Sunderland.
As well as celebrating our rich historical heritage and the many high profile music events, the City also celebrates our own local musical talent and stages events with high profile bands such as ‘Field Music’ and also offers our school pupils to opportunity to perform in events such the annual SMILE concert in Mowbray Park. Those who prefer music of a more classical vibe can enjoy the monthly performances arranged by Sunderland Pianoforte Society that feature world renowned pianists performing in the beautiful Pottery Room of the award winning Museum, which I believe is the most visited museum in the country outside London.
Sunderland is now a truly multicultural city and amongst other nationalities living and working in the city there is a Bangladeshi community and every year we welcome hundreds of Chinese students to our prestigious University.
The people of Sunderland have much to be proud of and enjoy and it would be wonderful if our City could be nationally recognised as the City of Culture 2021.
Best of Luck with the Bid!
Elaine Hannington
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If you have any thoughts on Sunderland’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 and/or are interested in writing a blog post for us then please do get in touch! You can contact us at info@sunderland2021.com
