Sunderland children to embrace multiculturalism and diversity in new activities programme

The Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages officially starts today (January 6) and will see the city’s children join their regional peers for a mix of live and online events, creative projects, and activities for pupils from ages 3 to 18.

Bangla Day, which takes place on March 25, will be led by the Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre and will be an opportunity for school pupils to share and celebrate Bengali culture, heritage, language and traditions.

Other events include the opportunity to explore languages through sports with Futbol Lingo, a mini-Olympics with Newcastle University, as well as a music event with a live concert from Munich Supercrew.

Pupils can access live lessons with Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria universities exploring different languages and cultures as well as taking part in a range of competitions including designing French crêpes, Spanish omelettes, and German ‘karneval’ masks.

There will be a range of creative multilingual projects which enable children and young people across the region to express themselves through music, art, writing and international food.

The Festival programme is delivered through a partnership of more than fifty local, regional, national and international organisations.

Declan Baharini, Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages Co-ordinator, said: “We’re excited that our packed three-month Festival programme has started - encouraging children and young people across the North East to build their skills and confidence.

“The Festival nurtures pupils’ curiosity and understanding about the diverse languages and cultures around them and the region’s connections to the wider world.

“There is still time for schools to register to take part - participating in the Festival is free and helps inspire children and young people to study and progress languages at school and build intercultural understanding and awareness, which opens doors to wider education and career opportunities.”

The project is being backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness with the North East Combined Authority part funding the project.

Ms McGuinness said: “I’m proud that we are supporting Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages 2026 and the opportunities it brings for our young people.

“Across the villages and towns of the North East, our schools are full of potential - bright, curious minds ready to explore the world.

“This programme will help raise aspirations, nurture talent, and prepare the next generation - from our smallest village schools to our largest city academies - for a diverse, global society.

“By inspiring a love of languages and learning, we’re breaking down barriers, opening our kids’ eyes to the whole world from an early age, and ensuring that every child can take their place on the global stage with pride and ambition.”

Yu can find out more and register for events via the Express Yourself website.