Spectacular spooktacular event returning to Sunderland this weekend for Halloween

Expect spooky music, flames and fireworks as Sunderland Spooktacular returns.

The Halloween-themed Barnes Park event returns this weekend on Friday, October 30, with two choreographed firework shows, expanded flame effects and a full evening of entertainment.

It will bring another major evening of fireworks, flames, special effects, live entertainment, funfair rides and family Halloween entertainment.

First launched in 2019, Sunderland Spooktacular has grown year on year and is now firmly established in Sunderland’s annual events calendar.

In recent years, the event has been enjoyed by more than 5,000 people, with previous editions selling out as demand has continued to build.

A major part of the event is its distinctive two-show format, giving visitors two very different firework experiences with one ticket.

The evening begins with Spellbound, an earlier lower-noise, family-friendly display designed with younger children and families in mind.

This is followed later in the evening by Afterglow, a more traditional, higher-impact firework spectacular featuring bigger effects, greater intensity and a more powerful finale.

Both displays are choreographed to music and combined with flame effects, creating a full pyro-musical production rather than a conventional stand-alone firework display.

For 2026, the production is being increased again, with the number of flame units rising from six to twelve, alongside the addition of further special effects.

Away from the fireworks, Sunderland Spooktacular will feature a large stage with a full evening of entertainment, together with performers, Halloween characters, funfair rides, food outlets and other attractions throughout the event.

Scott Hillary of AH Events Group, which organises Sunderland Spooktacular, said: “When we first launched Sunderland Spooktacular in 2019, the ambition was to create something exciting and different for families in Sunderland at Halloween.

“Since then, the event has grown enormously and has now become a real fixture in the city’s events calendar.

“The two-show format, introduced last year is now a major part of what makes the event different. Spellbound gives younger families the chance to enjoy a colourful, lower-noise firework show earlier in the evening, while Afterglow provides the bigger, more traditional firework experience later on.

“Both displays are choreographed to spooky music and combined with flames, and for 2026 we are increasing the number of flame units from six to twelve and adding further special effects, so the production will be even bigger again.”

The firework displays are produced by Reaction Fireworks, a County Durham-based company nationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading professional firework display companies.

Reaction Fireworks is the firework partner to Kynren, producing regular displays for the internationally recognised outdoor production. The company has also delivered the Sunderland Women’s Rugby World Cup displays and major New Year firework displays in both Newcastle and Sunderland.

The wider event is delivered with the support of local and regional businesses.

The funfair is provided by Nobles Funfairs, while local caterers, performers, production crews and event suppliers all contribute to the delivery of the event.

Sunderland Spooktacular 2026 takes place at Barnes Park, Sunderland, on Friday 30 October 2026. Tickets are on sale at Fatsoma.com