Not long to go now until nearly 200,000 punters descend onto Sunderland's Stadium of Light to witness this year's offering of gigs for what is proving to be the most exciting year since these huge gigs started in 2009.This years line up includes Brit award winners Coldplay who have now confirmed two support acts for their forthcoming summer show on Thursday June 7th. The award-winning group is set to storm Wearside as part of a massive four-venue summer tour, and the show is set to be opened by up and coming female vocalist Rita Ora, who is signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, with Swedish songstress Robyn, taking the role of main support act. Meanwhile 'The Boss' will perform his chart-topping album to lucky fans on Thursday 21st June. Bruce Springsteen released his new album 'Wrecking Ball' earlier in the year and soared straight to the top of the official UK album chart.
But, the biggest news of all, is kept for our very own The Futureheads, who have been confirmed as support for American giants Red Hot Chili Peppers on Sunday 24th June 2012. The four local lads, have a long association with the football club, having previously graced the Stadium of Light in May 2005, performing a live set prior to the final game of the 2004-05 season, as the Black Cats lifted The Championship trophy.
Singer and band founder Barry Hyde said: “I'm absolutely over the moon to be supporting the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Stadium of Light. The Stadium is an icon of the city and playing there will be a thrill and a joy.”
Complementing this series of massive gigs at Sunderland’s spiritual football home will be a series of live events across the City. Sunderland Live, the City's finest programme of free outdoor music events has been finalised and features 4 very different elements but all high profile quality performances in and around the City.
The Fringe Music Programme will be in its fourth year and has grown from a three-day music event in Seaburn to a city centre based programme of outdoor and indoor music, and this year is taking place between Saturday 7 and Sunday 24 June 2012,This event provides an opportunity to promote local musicians, develop and engage audiences, test out public spaces leading to a high-quality fringe festival that is accessible and relevant to the city during the 3 major concerts taking place at the Stadium of Light throughout June. The Bunker will again be programming the events and hopes to build on the success of last years’ Party in the Park gigs with two more including a Proms Picnic on 10th June and a Folk feast on 24th June both in Mowbray Park. This year's Folk Party will feature a selection of the regions finest contemporary folk acts and singer songwriters, including local quintet Lilliput, as part of their UK festival dates. Both Mowbray Park dates will feature a quality line up matched by family entertainment and fine food and drink to be enjoyed in such wonderful surroundings.
Saturday 16th June will see a program including the likes of Frankie & The Heartstrings, The Generals, Spoken Words and The Pursuit playing to a packed crowd at the amphitheatre in the beautiful setting of Herrington Country Park. The day will be part of a huge weekend of music, art, food, and sport for thousands of locals partying and having fun with the backdrop of Penshaw Monument behind them as the Olympic torch is carried through.
In addition to the music events, there will be a number of 'Big Screen afternoons' in Mowbray and Herrington Parks on 9th and 23rd June showing feature films with a variety of evening films to be scheduled at the Place, in Sunniside. The fun starts this summer with a celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at Cliffe Park in Seaburn, with a full day event run from 1pm to 10pm and 2 feature films shown on the big screen throughout the day, archive footage shown on the big screen, plus live music by bands reflecting music of each decade between the 2000’s and the 1950’s. The event comes to a climax with the lighting of the beacon at 10pm and fireworks to complete the event.
For more info on Sunderland Live, go to www.sunderlandlive.com
For a information or to make a booking for a limited number of unique concert packages still available at The Stadium Of Light, simply call 0871 911 1555 or goto www.safcconcerts.com.
