Skip to content

Double display sees dazzling start to new year

News imageSunderland City Council Fireworks explode in the night sky as crowds look on in Keel Square. A Christmas tree is illuminated in the right-hand side of the image alongside a number of other festive decorations. Many people in the crowd are wearing coats and woolly hats.Sunderland City Council
Crowds gathered in Sunderland's Keel Square from mid-afternoon

Fireworks lit up the night sky as two displays helped thousands of revellers welcome the new year.

Celebrations in Sunderland saw a procession across the recently opened Keel Crossing footbridge followed by DJs sets in Keel Square from stars including X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing favourite Fleur East.

The first of the day's fireworks displays got began at 18:30 GMT with a second following as the clock struck midnight.

Sunderland City Council described the free event as a "night full of joy, community and celebration".

News imageSunderland City Council Crowds look on as entertainers make their way to Keel Square as part of the parade. A woman is wearing an illuminated white headdress and flowing white skirt.Sunderland City Council
A parade took in the new Keel Crossing bridge before ending in Keel Square
News imageSunderland City Council Fleur East standing behind DJ decks and a mixer on stage in Sunderland. She has curly brown shoulder-length hair and is wearing a blue coat. She is smiling widely and raising her right arm.Sunderland City Council
Fleur East was among big names taking to the decks
News imageSunderland City Council Two entertainers taking part in the community parade. They are both wearing white face make-up and dressed in white uniforms and hats. They are each beating a red drum as crowds look on.Sunderland City Council
The event was billed as having something for all ages
News imageSunderland City Council Thousands of people smile as they watch the festivities in Sunderland city centre. Several are taking pictures and videos on their mobile phones.Sunderland City Council
Sunderland City Council hailed the event as an "incredible way" to welcome 2026
News imageSunderland City Council Hundreds of people gathered in Keel Square where entertainers are performing on a stage. A large screen showing the action is positioned above.Sunderland City Council
Large screens relayed events on stage to those watching

Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

More on this story
Related internet links