The Bunker marked the end of a hugely successful 2011 with a fantastic night of celebrations at our first Christmas Fundraiser at The Roker Hotel.

In what we hope will become an annual event in The Bunker's calendar, over 150 people arrived to toast what has been a brilliant year for the music community of Sunderland.

Through the attendance and kind generosity of those on the night, we raised over £1000. Funds will go towards future community projects ran from our Stockton Road base throughout 2012. It is a key objective of our organisation to continue to build on The Bunkers influence within Wearside’s wider community. As our guest speakers, Anne Tye (Sunderland City Council), Ross Millard (The Futureheads/Split Organiser), Peter Brewis (Board Member) and Kevin Morris (Founder Trustee), pointed out on the evening, The Bunker is so much more than a hub for music in our City. The work we do with vulnerable adults and children across Wearside is as much at the heart of our ethos as music.

It was great to see a number of our key business partners, local bands we have worked with throughout the year and close friends and family gather together. We were treated to a night of festive entertainment from 3 rising stars of local music, Dalaro, Natasha Haws and The Lake Poets. On top of a three course Christmas meal and a fantastic setting inside The Roker Hotel’s ballroom, everyone was in high spirits throughout the evening pulling together to show their support for The Bunker.

We are already looking forward to next years event, and building on this years accomplishments to ensure we have plenty to celebrate at the end of 2012.