Over 21,000 people hopped aboard Go North East’s dedicated park-and-ride services to visit Sunderland’s month-long annual illuminations. It was the first time it had supported the event.
Staged by Sunderland City Council, more than 200,000 visited the seafront to enjoy the Festival of Light event in Roker Park, Illuminations from Seaburn along to Roker and firework display finale at Cliffe Park.
The Sunderland Illuminations were open every night with fairground rides and stalls, alongside the ticketed Festival of Light in Roker Park, with Disney-themed light displays and new family attractions.
To help cope with traffic congestion on the seafront, Go North East (GNE) ran buses every 20 minutes. Anyone who showed their parking ticket to the driver, had free travel.
Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Councillor John Kelly said: “I’d like to thank our partners at Go North East for working with us this year on the ‘Park’n’Ride’ service which successfully brought thousands of people to and from the seafront every evening.”
Says GNE Head of Commercial and Retail Stephen King: “The Sunderland Illuminations are a big event in Wearside’s calendar and this year was no exception, with record attendee numbers and great visitor feedback.
“Although, this was the first time we’ve supported the event, our special events team, led from our Deptford depot, did a brilliant job.”
