Everyone knows a bit of support can make a big difference. The 12th man at the cup final, the crowd roaring exhausted runners across the marathon finishing line, the loyal fans behind the next big pop stars; by pulling together and showing we’re all behind something, amazing things happen. Now that the race to be named the UK City of Culture 2021 really gets underway, showing your support for Sunderland’s bid could be invaluable.
Being named UK City of Culture 2021 would boost tourism, drive forward investment and bring a fabulous vibe to the area. With our strong cultural heritage forged in industry, tightknit community spirit, music and art plus a vision for the future that builds on achievements and creates new opportunities, the Sunderland 2021 bid is already well underway.
So how can YOU back Sunderland 2021?
- Be sociable: Why not use social media to spread the message of our city’s bid? Share some old photographs on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter of your family enjoying the local gala day, having a singsong or on a day out at the football – anything that shows them enjoying life in Sunderland. Use the hashtag #Sunderland2021 so others can share the good times.
- Get creative: There are only so many jumpers and hats you can knit or crochet, so why not put your skills to use and support Sunderland 2021? Your creativity really matters to Sunderland’s future – whether you like to knit, garden, sing in the shower, wire up houses extra neatly, lay bricks – your creativity and skill can change the course of Sunderland’s future. Get friends together and plan a yarnbomb project? Create knitted covers for street bollards, colourful scarves for lampposts and cushions for park seats – all with the #Sunderland2021 message.
- Spread the word: Why not write a blog that tells the world why Sunderland’s rich cultural heritage and forward thinking approach makes it such a great place to live? Share memories, stories, songs, pictures and poems that reflect our rich cultural make up.
- Tell the world: Friends and relatives overseas love messages from home – so send them images of our Sunderland 2021 logo so they can share the news, add it to their social media profile and get the world talking.
- Make it child’s play: Get the young ones involved. Design a fun t-shirt or paint a mug – how about getting them to write #Sunderland2021 across the front? Or get arty and paint a poster to hang in the window showing their support. Why not download your Sunderland 2021 colouring-in sheet?
- Make sweet music: Love to sing and dance? Enjoy a bit of drama? Why not get your friends together and form a choir, theatre or dance group, film your efforts and share your video with the Sunderland bid team – just use the hashtag #Sunderland2021. You never know, you could end up famous!
- Picture this: It’s good to know everyone is backing the bid, so show your support by sending messages that remind us all what a great city Sunderland really is. Heading for a night at the theatre? Make a video of your journey there and tell everyone you’re right behind the bid. Record your visit to a gallery, park or even heading to the footy – it’s all part of our cultural make up, just add #Sunderland2021 and get sharing!
Show your support and help boost Sunderland’s bid.
