Couples looking for a unique wedding venue are invited to a special event at a multi-million-pound, award-winning building in Sunderland’s historic East End.

Seventeen Nineteen – possibly the most prestigious celebration and events space in the city – is a 300-year-old building, which was once the seat of local government and the city’s first public reading room.

And now the Grade I listed Georgian building is holding its first wedding fair to showcase its rooms, grounds and facilities to bridal couples in search of a unique and historic reception venue.

The event, on Sunday 16 April, will give visitors the chance to see the venue’s three reception spaces, the most impressive being the main body of the building.

They will also be able to meet and seek advice from a number of exhibitors, including event dressers, a photographer, florist, entertainers and a travel agent to help with planning a honeymoon.

The Wearside venue also offers the services of a specialist wedding team and outdoor lawn areas for photographs.

Several different event packages are available, along with bespoke options for specific requirements.

And Tracey Mienie, Seventeen Nineteen’s Centre Manager, said people will

be “amazed” at what the building now has to offer.

“It is a phenomenal space, full of secrets and stories from Wearside,” she said.

“It really is a lovely setting for a wedding celebration and we can’t wait for people to come along and see its romantic potential for themselves.”

The wedding fair will take place between 10am and 3pm with a free glass of fizz for those attending.

For more information about the venue visit https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/1719/