Here’s just some of the big festivals and shows so far - with more events expected to be announced, especially around the opening of the new footbridge in August and Culture House in autumn.
5. Hamilton, Sunderland Empire, June 17 - July 26
Hamilton is heading to Sunderland Empire on its first UK & Ireland tour. The hugely-popular show will make its Wearside debut with a six-week run from June 17 to July 26, 2025. It tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton. | Submitted
6. Adele Sandé (aka Emeli Sandé), Fire Station, June 21
Adele Sandé (aka Emeli Sandé) will open the Sunderland Year of Music 2025-2026. Now performing under her real name Adele, the Sunderland-born singer will return to the city to perform at The Fire Station on Saturday, June 21, kicking off a week-long opening celebration of music dubbed Welcome to Sunderland Music City. The Sunderland Year of Music 2025-2026 is a year-long celebration of music in our city following the news that Sunderland has been officially granted Music City status, joining the Music Cities Network in January 2025. Over 500 events will take place on Wearside from 21 st June 2025 to the 21 st June 2026, with Sunderland Music City supporting both new and existing events. | Victoria Wai
7. Franz Ferdinand, Fire Station, June 25
Franz Ferdinand will also perform to kick off the Year of Music with a gig at The Fire Station on June 25, just days before they perform at Glastonbury Festival. The indie rock icons also have a strong Wearside connection with frontman and guitarist Alex Kapranos growing up in the city. | Submitted
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8. Summer Streets, July 5 and 6
Free community and music festival Summer Streets returns to Cliffe Park in Seaburn on July 5 and 6, with the lineup to be announced soon. | Sunderland Echo