Lib Dem councillors in Sunderland have hit out after it was revealed that cancelling the planned Lamplight Festival could cost city taxpayers as much as £142,000 in costs and artist cancellation fees. Opposition Liberal Democrat councillors on Sunderland Council are calling for an overhaul of the authority's event strategy after it was revealed that the cancellation of this year's Lamplight Festival will cost taxpayers as much as £142,000. The Lamplight Festival was due to be held on 5th, 6th and 7th August in Mowbray Park, with acts including Kaiser Chiefs, Deacon Blue and The Futureheads due to perform. Information uncovered by Lib Dem councillors reveals that £9,288 was spent on marketing the festival in 2022. This included: • £7,000 for a specialist music PR and social media management firm • Just £200 on promoting social media posts to advertise the festival • £1,650 for adverts on screens at the Wearmouth and Northern Spire bridges • £1,840 for two adverts in 'NARC' and 'NE volume' magazines