Always on
This project successfully funded on 15th December 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
This Is Wearside - Derby Day
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
£15,675
raised so far
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Aim
Help us create the biggest derby display yet.
Who are we?
We are This Is Wearside, an independent, volunteer-led group of Sunderland AFC supporters. We work closely with the club, but everything we do is driven and delivered by fans. From teenagers to lifelong supporters, our volunteers of all ages and backgrounds design, build and set up the large-scale displays that unite fans, inspire players, and showcase the pride and passion of Wearside. Every flag, surfer and banner is created by the community, for the community.
Why are we crowdfunding?
The Tyne–Wear derby is one of the biggest games in our history, and we want to mark it with the most ambitious display yet. We’ve had an incredible start to the season with the opening day display and 3–0 win, and now we need your help to go even bigger for the derby.
Every penny raised goes straight back into displays – nothing else. Your donations don’t just make this derby display possible, they also help us build for the future: keeping displays sustainable, covering maintenance, and making sure we can go again for the big occasions still to come.
How we’ll spend the money raised
Every penny goes straight back into displays. For the derby, funds will cover:
- Materials (plastics, flags, banners, paint, rigging)
- Logistics (transport, storage, and cleaning equipment)
- Volunteer support (tools and safety gear for setup and takedown)
- Fixes & repairs (maintaining and repairing existing display items)
What a Full-Stadium Display Really Costs
Delivering a large-scale display at the Stadium of Light isn’t cheap. Every activation involves huge materials, specialist labour and logistics costs.
A full-stadium display can cost over £30,000 once you factor in banners, plastics, rigging, shipping and logistics. That’s why we focus on a few big occasions each season, keeping displays special, impactful and unforgettable.
How you can play your part?
- Donate what you can: Every pound helps us turn the Stadium of Light into a fortress for the derby.
- Share our fundraiser: The more fans who see this, the bigger the display we can create.
- Support as a business: Local companies can back the display and we’ll proudly recognise your support. Please get in touch on our socials to discuss these opportunities!
- Join in: From setup to takedown, our volunteers of all ages make it happen. If you’d like to help, we’d love to have you involved.
Community impact
Our displays don’t just light up the Stadium of Light, they bring together hundreds of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, building community spirit and pride. They give fans the chance to be part of something bigger, showcase Sunderland on an international stage, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Every donation strengthens Wearside’s identity and unites our city.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made