There's plenty to do and see in Sunderland this summer, with a litany of events and happenings taking place.
And Sunderland BID have bolstered the variety on offer across Wearside this year, by officially launching an all-age roller rink in the heart of the city centre.
Situated in the historical Keel Square, families and friends can get down to the roller rink as of today and make the most of the special events on offer over the coming months.
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Come rain or shine, it's boogie time at the roller rink which is set inside a large marquee - open from 11am to 8pm daily. The rink itself is also open to people of all ages and all talents - with everyone from novices to experts welcome to go along and try their hand at skating.
Not your normal roller rink, a number of events will take place throughout the summer. Lead singer of Frankie and the Heartstrings, Frankie Francis, will spin the decks for punters to enjoy while gliding around on wheels - with resident DJ Jamal and other top acts also taking to the booth over the summer.
Nostalgia fans wanting to revisit their younger years can make the most of a 'funkalicious' 70s session, 'radical' 80's night and a 'jiggy' 90's event on set nights, while there's also plenty on for the youth of today to enjoy. From dancing with dinosaurs, to skating with their favourite Marvel superheroes, parents have an abundance of choice for their youngsters.
Always inclusive, Sunderland BID have also organised a number of 'quiet hours', so kids who receive special education and have sensory needs can also make the most of the fantastic coming this summer. Speaking on the Keel Square roller rink, Sharon Appleby, who is Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said: "This is the launch of our summer programme which lasts for the whole of the school holidays.
"We have a roller rink so you can come and have some great fun exercise, and then we have a whole load of other activities going on throughout the summer holidays. Free activities for children, lots of things around healthy eating, lots of things around exercise and wellbeing.
"There's some really fun things around crafts and lots of games and things like that going on for the whole of the summer holidays, so we hope to se you down in Keel Square in Sunderland city centre."
Tickets for the roller rink are only available for purchase upon arrival by cash or card. It's £10 for adults, £8 for youths (5 to 17) and £4 for children under 4 years of age. Family tickets covering two adults and two children, or one adult and three children are also available at £28.
The prices include the hire of roller skates, kneepads and helmets - although members of the public are advised that they are free to bring their own equipment along if they prefer.
To find out more about the roller rink and the activities it hosts this summer, visit Sunderland BID's website, here.
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