Community 'unity event' organised following riots
A community event has been organised in a city which was heavily impacted by last month's riots, in an effort to bring people together.
Up to 700 people were involved in a night of violence in Sunderland city centre on 2 August, with police officers attacked and buildings set on fire.
Dozens of local organisations have signed up for a 'Unity in the Community' event in Sunderland Minster, offering free food and activities, on 19 October.
Mrs MacLaren said she hoped to see "people of all different colours, creeds, cultures, having a great time together".
She said a lot of people in Sunderland had been left traumatised by the riots.
"It triggered terrible memories for the asylum seekers and refugees who'd fled from danger and thought they had found safety here."
She said people from various faith communities and community organisations in the area had jointly decided to put on an event to help people recover from a challenging period.
"If we all work together, I just hope that anyone who wanders through will feel really welcome and will want to get involved," Mrs MacLaren said.
People have been invited to set up stalls offering food and to help run activities, such as prize draws and crafts.
Mrs MacLaren added: "It's going to be a really lively, colourful, loving community event where I hope - I know - that everybody will feel safe."
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