Food producers, crafters and artists are on the menu this weekend as Sunderland’s Sunniside Market returns.

The monthly event returns to Sunniside Gardens from 10am until 3pm on Saturday, February 28.

Wear Beer are among the traders. Pictured is owner Julio Romero Johnson | Submitted

placeholder image — Wear Beer are among the traders. Pictured is owner Julio Romero Johnson | Submitted

The event – organised by Local Heroes and Sunderland’s BIDs - has become a favourite on the monthly calendar, showcasing and celebrating independent businesses.

Stall holders this time round include The Little Cakery, The Donut Lab, The Brownie Bar, Pink Lane Bakery, The Northern Bistro, Geordie Bangers Co and Greek favourites, Acropolis.

Along with art stalls, Sunderland’s Art Café will be on site, as will Kira’s Corner, which will be providing creative gifts.

Wear Beer will be offering the opportunity for visitors to take home their fresh brews – including a unique winter ale which will be available on draft.

“Sunniside Food Market is a brilliant showcase for independent producers and a proper community atmosphere,” said Julio Romero Johnson, owner of Wear Beer.

“We love being part of it because it brings together people who are genuinely curious about local food and drink.”

Community garden, Let You Soul Grow, will also be present, showcasing the exciting work it does in bringing people closer to nature.

Roberta Redecke, Head of Business Services at Sunderland BIDs, said the markets were always a huge draw and also showcased what the whole Sunniside area has to offer.

“The whole Sunniside area is home to a huge number of independent businesses and is a great centre for leisure activities in the city,” she said.

“With the cinema and bowling alley on the doorstep it has so much to offer and hopefully anyone who attends the market will realise there’s lots to do and stay around and make the most of it.”

Activities in the Sunniside area are part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.