Spectators lined Durham Road on Monday night for a dazzling fireworks display.
The Feast Fireworks Musical Spectacular was part of this year’s Houghton Feast Festival, a 10-day celebration of heritage and community spirit that began on Friday, and runs until Sunday, October 11.
The festival features a packed programme of events including a fairground, ox roasting, carnival parade, and exhibitions.
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
The feast kicked off with a spectacular Friday night opening ceremony on The Broadway, ahead of the grand switch-on of the Houghton Feast illuminations by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Robert Hutchinson.
The much-loved 10-day festival brings together residents, families, visitors and community groups to celebrate the unique heritage, culture and spirit of Houghton.
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Houghton Feast is about much more than one weekend of entertainment, however.
On Saturday, the Carnival Parade brought together brass bands, dancers, costumed characters, floats and classic vehicles as it travelled along Newbottle Street to The Broadway.
The fireworks show took place on Monday night, lighting up the sky from Durham Road from 7pm.
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
The Houghton Feast has roots stretching back to the 12th century, originally held as a dedication festival for St Michael and All Angels Church during Michaelmas.
Today, it blends centuries of tradition with modern community celebrations.
Read More:
One of the most enduring customs is the ox roast, believed to have been started by Rector Bernard Gilpin in the 16th century.
He roasted oxen to feed the poor of Houghton, and the tradition continues to this day.
The Durham Record Office houses photographs of past carnival parades, including images from 1977 showing floats, youth groups, jazz bands, a pipe band and crowds lining the streets.