The Bunker is an organisation which aims to develop music and arts in the City of Sunderland. As an entity which for over 30 years has acted as a platform for thousands of musicians and artists, many of whom have been catapulted to national and international stages, The Bunker is well recognised as a unique force: a gritty survivor which, against a backdrop of almost constant industrial decline, has provided a creative outlet for youth in Sunderland and contributed significantly to the North East region’s cultural economy.

In 2011, The Bunker’s recording and rehearsal facilities continue to act as base for hundreds of bands, including Sunderland’s latest national phenomenon Frankie and the Heartstrings. The organisation also delivers training, development and career guidance on a range of music/arts-related topics to budding musicians and young people in Sunderland.

We engage hard to reach learners and run music related projects for people from minority groups or problematic backgrounds, who may otherwise not consider education/training as a route to employment. We aim to provide advice and support to build confidence and help people use music towards a positive outcome, whether this results in a career in the arts or other vocations.

We aim to raise awareness and tackle cultural barriers through interactive music projects, and explore the usage of music in helping the recuperation or treatment of people suffering illness or disabilities. Free rehearsal and recording facilities are available for people from Sunderland who otherwise would not be able to afford to use our services.

Welcome to The Bunker: We are music.