THE DONNISON EASTER FAYRE
Saturday 21st March
10.30am – 3.30pm
Step into spring with us at The Donnison School Heritage Centre as we open our doors for a day filled with colour, creativity, and community spirit. Our annual Easter Fayre brings together families, friends, neighbours, and visitors for a warm and welcoming celebration in the heart of Sunderland’s East End.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy:
Traditional Egg Hunt hidden around our gardens and grounds
Hands-on Easter Crafts for children and adults
Tombola & Raffle with fantastic prizes
Homemade Cakes & Treats baked by our wonderful volunteers
The Donnison Café, open for hot drinks and refreshments
Easter Bonnet Making, perfect for little creatives
Bring your family, bring your friends, or come along on your own — you’ll be met with a warm smile and a friendly atmosphere. Every penny raised helps support our heritage work, community programmes, and the preservation of this special place.
SUNDERLAND HISTORY FAYRE
OPEN DAY AT THE DONNISON
Join us on Saturday 30th May as The Donnison School proudly takes part in the city‑wide Sunderland History Fair celebrations. Our doors will be open from 10.30am to 3.30pm, inviting visitors to step inside, explore, and enjoy a taste of our Georgian past.
What You Can Enjoy on the Day
Spend time wandering through our historic site and discovering a range of activities and experiences, including:
The Donnison Café serving refreshments throughout the day
Book Sales featuring local history, heritage titles, and community favourites
Gift Shop with unique items
The Georgian Schoolroom Experience, where you can step back in time and imagine life as a pupil in the 1800s
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious visitor, or simply looking for a welcoming place to spend the day, The Donnison School offers a charming and memorable stop on your History Fair journey.
Come along, explore, and enjoy refreshments in our wonderful café as you soak up the atmosphere of this special heritage site.
SUMMER FAYRE
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE
10.30am – 3.30pm
Celebrate the start of summer with us at The Donnison School Heritage Centre. Our much‑loved Summer Fayre returns with all the traditional excitement, colour, and community spirit that makes this day such a highlight in our calendar.
What’s Happening on the Day
Enjoy a lively mix of activities and treats for all ages, including:
Raffle & Tombola with fantastic prizes
Plant Stalls
Children’s Games & Treasure Hunt
Sweet Treats & Seasonal Goodies
Lovely Gift Shop full of unique finds
Music & a Friendly Atmosphere
Refreshments served throughout the day
Whether you’re popping in for cake, bringing the family for a fun day out, or supporting our heritage work, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you.
Join Us
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture in September. Places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history
Heritage Open Days will return 11-20 September 2026
The Donnison will be open on: Friday 11th, Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th Monday 14th, Wednesday 16th and Friday 18th
FREE ENTRY!
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
11.00 - 3.30pm
Save the Date – Donnison Christmas Fayre 2026
Get ready for one of the most magical days in The Donnison School calendar. Our Christmas Fayre returns on Saturday 21st November 2026, bringing festive cheer, community spirit, and all the traditional delights our visitors love.
From twinkling decorations to seasonal treats, this much‑loved event marks the start of Christmas at The Donnison. Whether you’re joining us for gifts, goodies, or simply the warm atmosphere, it’s a date you’ll want to mark in your diary.
Full details will be released closer to the time — but for now, save the date and get ready for a wonderful festive celebration.
