Member Article

Hadrian’s Tipi Arrives in Sunderland...

CHRISTMAS festivities in Sunderland are set for a seasonal boost, with the news that Hadrian’s Tipi will head to the city for the first time.

The winter pop-up retreat – which features indoor and outdoor fire pits, a seating area and a range of food stalls – has helped boost business in other cities, where it is now an annual fixture.

And the hope is that the tipi will become a welcome addition next to Sunderland BID’s Keel Square ice rink, which is set to return again this winter.

Both attractions are expected to help grow visitor numbers and will also support festive trading for businesses in the city.

Bringing the popular Hadrian’s Tipi to Sunderland – which has had great success in Newcastle over the past two years - is also particularly exciting for Neill Winch, Chief Executive of Danieli Holdings Group, which runs the tipis.

“Having been born and raised in the city I’m really excited to be able to bring the experience of Hadrian’s Tipi to Sunderland. My local knowledge and wanting to give the people of the city a unique experience was a vital factor in deciding where our next Tipi camp would be in the lead up to Christmas”

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, which is working with Danieli Holdings on bringing the tipi to Sunderland, believes it will be a real asset.

“The ice rink and the tipi at Keel Square will definitely add to the city’s Christmas experience, bringing in both local people and those from further afield,” she said.

“The experience in Newcastle was that businesses across the city centre benefited hugely and we are confident this will be the case in Sunderland.”

The tipi was inspired by one of the five ‘good’ emperors, Hadrian, a Roman who enjoyed travelling and sampling the best that countries could offer. On the road, the Romans lived in tipi-like tents in a bustling environment complete with exotic drinks, world foods and the best beers.

The tipi is family friendly and the hope is it will welcome people of all ages to a snug hideaway, away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping.

Along with the tipi there will be seven street food operators serving a variety of artisan foods in and around the main tent, including authentic bratwurst and frankfurters from a traditional Schwenker grill.

One of the vendors, Alex Hatch, owner of Hatch 76, who will be serving their street food at Hadrian’s Tipi, said he would be trading again this year:

“The most important thing to remember is that Hadrian’s Tipi in Sunderland will bring together the people in the city,” he said.

“A great destination, it’s a wonderful place for people to come together to eat, drink and enjoy the entertainment and something that I am sure the proud people of the city of Sunderland will embrace with open arms.

“The benefits to the city are that the traders based there will also reap the rewards of the many visitors that Hadrian’s Tipi brings, and that can only be a good thing all round for the area.”

Neill Winch added: “This is an exciting time for Danieli with the arrival of Hadrian’s Tipi in Sunderland. We’re sure it will be welcomed enthusiastically and will be a popular addition to the winter ice-rink.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by JAM Prints & Marketing .