Wearside will be alive with the sound of music this summer, with another packed programme of events organised in Sunderland to complement the line-up of big stadium concerts next month.Sunderland Live will include local bands, folk music, orchestras, all programmed by The Bunker in addition to big-screen movie showings across the city. Big local names involved in the programme include The Cornshed Sisters, Hyde & Beast and The Lake Poets.
The entertainment will help build up to the headlining performances of Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen and the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Stadium of Light.
The programme starts on Friday, June 8, with an exhibition of the local music videos including Tunstall Hill Session films in the Bridges Shopping Centre and will run until Sunday, June 10. Videos from local bands Hyde & Beast, BEAK, The Lake Poets and Lilliput will feature in the hour long showreel playing on rotation over the weekend to entertain passing shoppers.
Next will be the Big Screen in the Park at Mowbray Park on Saturday, June 9, and the 'Proms Party in the Park' on Sunday June 10, where people are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of outdoors entertainment from 12 noon till 6pm.
A huge celebration event for the Olympic Torch Relay will take place at Herrington Country Park on Saturday, June 16. Frankie & The Heartstrings will feature along with The Lake Poets, The Generals, and it will also include an attempt at breaking the hula hooping world record as well as the food Feastival coordinated by the organisers of Split Festival.
Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council cabinet member for culture, said: “The Sunderland Live programme is a fantastic chance for everyone in the city, including people who are visiting Sunderland during the series of concerts, to keep that feel-good factor going and enjoy a wide variety of music and entertainment.
He added, “There is something for everyone and it’s also a chance for musicians and singers from across the city and the region to showcase their own talent, of which we know there is a lot of. Importantly, Sunderland Live will be a great way to keep visitors entertained while they shop, dine or enjoy a drink in the city ahead of the concerts.”
The programme finale sees a selection of the regions finest contemporary folk acts and singer soingwriters perform in Mowbray Park in the 'Grassroots event'. Now, in it's 2nd year, the free event will feature 2 stages of live music from 12 noon to 7pm, with the Cornshed sisters and Lilliput topping the bill. The park will be decorated with flags from Infinite Arts and have food stalls from Junipers Pantry providing a fine selection of local produce for those who forgot their picnic.
For more information about Sunderland Live visit www.sunderlandlive.co.uk and for details about the Stadium of Light concerts visit www.safcconcerts.com.
Diary dates:
June 8 – 10 – Tunstall Hill Sessions films, Bridges Shopping Centre.
June 9 – Big Screen in the Park, Mowbray Park.
June 10 – Proms Picnic, Mowbray Park.
June 15 – Big Screen in the Park, Herrington Country Park.
June 16 – Olympic Torch Relay celebration event, Herrington Country Park.
June 17 – Sunderland Festival, Herrington Country Park.
June 23 – Big Screen in the Park, Herrington Country Park.
June 24 – Grassroots, Mowbray Park.
