Series of family events to be staged on back of Hot Weekender at Sunderland's Herrington Country Park

The approved premises licence to run a portfolio of licensed family events comes following last weekend’s Hot Weekender in Herrington Country Park, which featured the UK Soapbox Challenge and Funtopia Festival.

This was the second year that Herrington has hosted the soapbox race, in which 50 racers competed on a redesigned 450-metre race track, tackling twists and turns in their homemade vehicles.

Prizes were awarded for the fastest time, best in show and more.

The following day, Funtopia Festival produced a fun day out with acts paying tribute to the likes of Little Mix, Ariana Grande and The Greatest Showman.

Throughout the weekend, families enjoyed a giant funfair, food stalls, bars, plus performers and entertainment throughout the event.

Following the approval of the premises licence by Sunderland City Council earlier this month, the Hot Weekender will eventually become one of a wider schedule of up to five licensed event periods by Hot Event Solutions to be held in the region throughout the year.

The events will be targeted at families and young people.

Martin and Hot Event Solutions were advised by Matt Foster, Head of Licensing and Gaming at Mincoffs Solicitors on the application.

They worked closely with the Police and Licensing Authority in the lead up submission of the application to ensure all local issues and concerns about large scale events such as the Hot Weekender were taken into account.

As a result, they received no objections.

Martin Tulip, event director at Hot Event Solutions, commented: “Matt’s knowledge and assistance has been instrumental in this application being successful and we look forward to delivering events both in Herrington Park and other locations whilst continuing to build our relationship with Mincoffs.”