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Special Events

Bright Lights: Youth Arts Festival 2025

22 Feb – 1 Mar 2025

Quick summary

Price
Free
Venue
  • Arts Centre Washington

Event description

Saturday 22 February – Saturday 1 March

A celebration of the talented young people who live in Washington and Sunderland and beyond.

This year’s festival will feature a week of free Workshops alongside performances, screenings and displays all created by young people.

Including:

Film Shorts Showcase
Wednesday 26th February, 6pm-8pm
Young filmmakers from across the region screen their films.
Call out for Film Submissions here Bright Lights: Film Shorts Showcase 2025 | Sunderland Culture

Growing Pains
Thursday 27th February, 7pm
A collection of original short performances that examine the journey of growing up, capturing the highs, lows, and in-betweens of youth today. Created and performed by the talented students of Sunderland College!

Washington Emerging
Friday 28th February, 6pm
An evening of live music by the North East’s best up-and coming young musicians.
Call out for bands to perform here Washington Emerging 2025 | Sunderland Culture

Re:Style: Clothes Upcycling Event
Saturday 1 March, 11am – 2pm
Bring along old unwanted clothes and learn how to upcycle them into something new!

Bright Lights: Youth Arts Exhibition 2025
8 February – 15 March
Our annual Youth Arts Exhibition, showcasing some of the most exciting artwork created by young people

Plus 20+ free workshops and events for young people ages 11 – 19 from Saturday 22 February – Saturday 1 March, taking place at Arts Centre Washington, Sunderland Musuem and Winter Gardens, National Glass Centre and City Wide –  including music, photography, film and more!

Tickets on sale soon!