THE Sunderland Illuminations display and Festival of Light officially opens on Thursday night.

Thousands are expected to visit the event, which this year will feature a new Winter Wonderland installation and an Underwater Kingdom Projection.

There are lots of old favourites too, with Disney characters in place, along with witches, wizards, pirates and Doctor Who characters.

This year the Festival of Light features new attractions including an 18m high ‘Sunderland Sphere’ illuminated dome which gives visitors the chance to have messages to loved ones displayed on the huge spherical screens.

Customers can book a message to be displayed on the globe by visiting www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/illuminations

Sunderland Mayor Councillor Lynda Scanlan said: “The Festival of Light has something for everyone, and I hope everyone will book to come along to see the amazing things here in park while they are visiting the Sunderland Illuminations which stretch right along our award winning seafront.”

The spectacular, illuminated Fabulous Fountains return to light up the lake, where visitors will also find the Sunderland Tap.