Forget your regular Christmas soundtrack of carols and choirs, local music is putting a twist on December with a feast of gigs celebrating all that has been at the forefront of music in Sunderland in 2011.

The Ivy House has hosted the beginning of a new era of music this year welcoming a number of fantastic local bands/artists to Sunderland for their first gigs on Wearside. They are continuing this tradition with the likes of Teesiders Bird Island and rock kings Mike Gatto and Motherfirefly.

Promoters BunnYpunk will host a full day/night winter festival showcasing the rising talent in the North East with performances from Spray On Jeans, Ashes Of Iron, Liars Lie, Echohead and The Real Davina.

Throw into the mix a Split Xmas Special with local royalty the Futureheads and Hyde & Beast alongside flappers B>E>A>K and a homecoming gig for Frankie & The Boys, this will be a seasonal treat of epic proportions.

Listings

Thursday 1st December

Spark Live Presents with Bird Island + Young Hegelians + Clint

@ The Ivy House, Worcester Terrace Sunderland.8pm,free

Friday 2nd December

Hothouse with Charlotte Yanni + Colourist Project + Amy Holford + Invoke

@  Arts Centre, Washington, Biddick Lane Washington. 8pm, £4

Sunday 4th December

Leatherface + Guests

@ Independent,36 Holmeside, Sunderland. 8pm, £6

Thursday 8th December

Stripped Back with Driven Serious, Renegades, Jonathan Booth

@ The Ivy House, Worcester Terrace Sunderland. 8pm,free

Saturday 10th December

Split Christmas Special

@ North Shore, St Peters Campus Sunderland University. 7.00pm, £12.50

Thursday 15th December

Manifesto Live with Mike Gatto, Mother Firefly, Moonrunners

@ The Ivy House, Worcester Terrace Sunderland.8pm,free

Saturday 17th December

BunnYpunk Winter Festival

@ North Shore, St Peters Campus Sunderland University. 12pm,£6

Thursday 29th December

Frankie & The Heartstrings

@ Independent 36 Holmeside, Sunderland. 7.30pm, £10