Sunderland Illuminations, pictured in September 1995, as families recall their fondest memories of going to see the lights.Sunderland Illuminations, pictured in September 1995, as families recall their fondest memories of going to see the lights.
Sunderland Illuminations, pictured in September 1995, as families recall their fondest memories of going to see the lights.

Sunderland Illuminations 2022: Festival of Light memories as Sunderland prepares for return of Illuminations

The half-term holidays are just around the corner and Sunderland families are ready to welcome the Festival of Light back to the city.
Debra Fox
By Debra Fox
Published 13th Oct 2022, 04:55 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

For many, the twinkling lights of Sunderland’s Illuminations display signals the start of Autumn and all of the fun the season has to offer.

As the first day of this year’s Festival of Light arrives (Thursday, October 13) we asked Echo readers to share their fondest memories of trips to see the sparkles at Roker Park and along the seafront.

What was your favourite attraction from years gone by? Let’s take a look at what you said and re-live some fantastic memories.

Visit our Wearside Echoes Facebook group here to join the conversation and don’t forget you can sign up to our monthly retro newsletter online here.

Surely the big tap is all of our favourites? It's pictured here in 1989 ... but which year saw your favourite version of it?

1. The famous tap

Surely the big tap is all of our favourites? It's pictured here in 1989 ... but which year saw your favourite version of it? Photo: Sunderland Echo

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Lynn Hartley recalled memories of her sons, who were aged 1 and 2 in 1990, and couldn't say Illuminations. Instead, they called them the "bonny lights". My boys 2 and 1 in 1990) couldn't say illuminations so they just called them 'the bonny lights'

2. Set sail

Lynn Hartley recalled memories of her sons, who were aged 1 and 2 in 1990, and couldn't say Illuminations. Instead, they called them the "bonny lights". My boys 2 and 1 in 1990) couldn't say illuminations so they just called them 'the bonny lights' Photo: Sunderland Echo

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Strolling through the light displays in 1989 - do you remember feasting your eyes on this one?

3. A dream home

Strolling through the light displays in 1989 - do you remember feasting your eyes on this one? Photo: Sunderland Echo

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Anita Armstrong remembered visiting the Illuminations with her friends, with her dad driving his Toyota Space Cruiser.

4. Precious memories

Anita Armstrong remembered visiting the Illuminations with her friends, with her dad driving his Toyota Space Cruiser. Photo: Sunderland Echo

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