Sunniside Open Studios

Sunniside Open Studios takes over Sunniside on Saturday 7 November, from 3pm to 9pm. It's an evening of open doors across one of Sunderland's creative neighbourhoods, where artists and designer-makers throw open their studios and nearby businesses join in. The whole thing is free to wander around, so you can drift from one space to the next at your own pace.

The main draw is the chance to see people working. You'll find everything from painting, ceramics and sculpture to jewellery, furniture, prints and flowers, with the trail encouraging you to explore the area rather than sticking to one spot. It's a rare look into the working side of the neighbourhood, and the organisers describe it as a way for artists, makers and local businesses to boost their visibility, make new connections and showcase the area. Alongside the open studios, there are live performances and creative workshops running throughout the evening.

There's a long list of participating venues and groups to keep you moving. You'll find We Make Culture, Theatre Space NE, Sunshine Co-operative, Diego's Joint, Atlas Theatre Company, KC Alternative Therapy, The Art Room, Thrown Together Pottery Studio and Harbour Studios all taking part. Between the studios, the live performances and workshops fill in the gaps, so it's as much about what's happening in the street as what's inside the buildings.

It runs from 3pm to 9pm on Saturday 7 November at Sunniside, William Street, Sunderland, SR1 1UL, and entry is free. For updates on timings and booking information for the workshops, the organisers suggest following @sunnisideopenstudios on social media.