Well Sunderland, that's a wrap!
In October 2022, we arrived with a clear purpose - to use food as a way to bring people together, support independent traders, and help shape places with meaning.
Sunniside Food Market became the starting point.
Not just a market, but a platform rooted in authentic Sunderland - its people, its character, its culture.
A place where ideas were tested, businesses were supported, and a sense of community quietly grew over time.
Not always easy, but always purposeful.
At its best, it was a true reflection of what we believe in - an unashamed celebration of Mackemhood, and of the power of people to create something meaningful.
That same intent carried through everything that followed.
At Sheepfolds, we built on those foundations - creating a space that felt alive, where traders, creatives and communities could come together.
Our pop-up market brought energy, momentum and opportunity, while staying true to what matters: authenticity, care, and doing things the right way.
Alongside it, we continued telling Sunderland's stories.
50+ podcast episodes recorded in our Sheepfolds studio, alongside a feature film, two documentaries, and a school project - all shaped by the people and place around us.
And that work continues, as do projects like Breaking Bread.
We've made friends, told tales, had a few viral moments, and even created a soundtrack - working with an emerging and amazing musician.
Because for us, it's never just about markets - it's about impact, connection, and purpose.
For now, this is a goodbye to our market activity in Sunderland.
A genuine thank you to every trader, collaborator and community member who made it what it was.
We're proud of what was built - and of the intent behind it.
We hope what's been created continues to evolve - staying true to place, and finding new energy under future stewardship.
We'll step back, reflect, and start dreaming it up again.
We don't believe in endings. Just the next version of what's possible.
To whoever takes this on next - good luck.
Keep it real, keep it fair, keep it purposeful and keep it Sunderland.
#localheroes #nextepisode #sunderland #sunniside #sheepfolds
The ‘American Tales’ album is now live – I hope you all enjoy having a listen!
I’d like to once again thank the eleven people who appear on the album with me:
Ruby Kelly
Mark Jones
David Dino Stephenson
Clive Jones
Emmy Seren
Jaime Greening
Anna Brown
Paul Hanbury
Joseph Travis
Sam Scott
and especially
Jon Greening - not only for adding brilliant keyboard parts and/or vocal harmonies to all but one of the album’s twelve tracks, but also for being an invaluable second pair of ears during the mixing process, with his observations & suggestions and for giving regular boosts to my confidence with his support, enthusiasm and positivity!
Thanks Jon and thanks to you all for giving up your time to help make my music sound better!
Links to listen are in my biography.
Live music is back at Tin’s 🎶
Join us on Sunday 29th March for an evening with the brilliant @rubykellymusic bringing her guitar for a set full of popular tunes and great vibes.
The perfect excuse for drinks, food and a bit of live music by the sea. Music from 6pm ‘til 8pm.
Tag who you’re bringing along 👇
#sunderland #roker #southtyneside #rubykelly #sunderlandevents
We Create. We Collaborate. We Deliver.
At We Are Local Heroes, we celebrate the people, places and communities behind them - and help turn stories into movements.
🎬 Film & Documentaries
🎧 Podcasts
🎉 Events
🛍️ Cultural Merchandise
📢 Brand Campaigns
From neighbourhood streets to global stages, we amplify voices that deserve to be heard.
Because community isn’t just where we’re from.
It’s what we build together.
🔗
Locally created, owned and produced.
#LocalHeroes #StorytellingForChange #Community
This is what change looks like.
This is Local Heroes - behind the scenes - 2025.
You want to help us?
Sponsor us, commission us, collaborate with us, create with us, talk to us.
Follow us on social channels ✔️
Subscribe to our YouTube channel ✔️
Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive content ✔️
This is the beginning ✊
#localheroes #grassroots #storytelling #multimedia #collab
Wow, what a year - yes, only a year.
A full podcast series with guests from across our extended universe.
Laughter, tears, the light and the dark - proper storytelling at its best.
We’ve talked about anything and everything - from football to food culture, local Identity and hospitality, mental health, activism, politics, music, mayhem and everything in between - and of course, a full year of our much-loved Greggs Order segment.
We've launched what we believe to be world class films, delivered social inclusion projects, creative commissions, merchandise that celebrates local identity, live broadcasts, and exciting new live event series already taking shape for the New Year.
+ TWO viral podcast clips hitting over one million views.
Along the way, we collaborated widely and trusted deeply.
Some partnerships helped shape who we are; others simply showed us where we’re heading with clarity and gratitude.
We are profoundly thankful to those of you who have supported and helped us lay our foundations in the early stages.
And as we grow, we’re always open - to support, sponsorship, collaboration and anyone who believes in what we’re building.
We're more than a conventional production company.
Because at the heart of Local Heroes is - and always will be - people, place, purpose and community.
Here’s to everything we’ve created in year one.
And to stepping into the next chapter with even more focus, connection and heart.
#WeAreLocalHeroes #PeoplePlacePurpose #CommunityCulture #LocalHeroesPodcast #SupportLocal
Live music this WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY in Sunderland Music City ❤️🤍
Wednesday 29 October
Dave Red // @stackseaburn 14:00
Ibiza Soul Duo // @stackseaburn 17:30
Beardy Busker // Storyteller @the_3_stories 18:30
Tide Lines + Rose Betts // @firestationsun 19:00
Thursday 30 October
Jack Harvey // @stackseaburn 17:00
Emma Robson // Storyteller @the_3_stories 17:30
The Covers Club // @stackseaburn 19:00
The Signatures Northern Soul Liive // @firestationsun 19:30
Buskers Night with Dave Murray // Steels Social Club 19:30
Emma Wilson with Paul Wilson // Speakeasy at The Harbour View 19:30
Music Bingo // @ivyhousesunderland 20:00
Rock Renegade // @lifeofrileysr 20:30
