9:39AM, Sat Sep 29, 2012

City Welcomes The Return Of The Roker Lights

By Hugh Macknight Location: Sunderland

The grand switch-on of the Roker Lights has taken place.

The Deputy Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Robert Heron led the celebrations at the Holey Rock Corner of Roker Park.

The display is part of the City Council's seafront regeneration project, and will provide visitors to historic Roker Park between 5.30 and 9.30 every evening with the chance to enjoy meeting some colourful characters and take part in a range of free, family activities.

Sunderland welcomed the return of the Roker Lights

Send in your pictures of the Roker Park Lights

Roker Park will also host free weekend activities including storytelling, arts, crafts and children's entertainment while there will also be a weekend of Halloween themed celebrations 27-28 October.

Coun. Heron said: "The Roker Lights display will give children the chance to experience everything from dinosaurs to characters from Alice In Wonderland, with the lights adding to the beauty and atmosphere of this fantastic park.

Deputy Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Robert Heron led the celebration

"We can also look forward to some extra weekend activities in the park for the whole family to enjoy and I’m really looking forward to what promises to be a great, added attraction here in Roker Park."

Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Cllr John Kelly added: "We always take on board what people tell us, and a lot have asked for lighting displays which is what we are providing in Roker Park.

"The small scale but colourful display will be in keeping with historic nature of the park, and we hope everyone enjoys the designs.