From a food festival full of treats to an exhibition by one of the country’s most celebrated artists, here’s some dates for the diary.
5. Kroud Karaoke, Stack Seaburn, July 24
With restrictions lifted, Stack can finally open as intended, more than doubling its capacity from 600 with social distancing to 2,000. One of the first events will be Kroud Karaoke, a mass singalong event, which is free to attend. You will no longer need to book as it will be a purely walk-up venue. There will be no more table service as you can order food and drink direct from the bars and food trader hatches. Photo: JPI MEDIA
6. Returning to the Empire, from July 29
Although the Empire hasn't announced its reopening plan yet, there's a number of shows listed on its website after restrictions lift. The first for a live audience will be Illegal Eagles on July 29. Other live shows this summer include Rock of Ages and What's Love Got To Do With It. In the meantime, you can watch its free Ghostlight sessions online throughout July. The sessions feature some of Sunderland’s best musical talents, including Futureheads, Big Fat Big, Faye Fantarrow, Picnic, Field Music and The Lake Poets streaming at 8pm on Mondays and Thursdays across the Sunderland Empire social channels. Photo: Katy Wheeler
7. Rainton Arena gigs
There's a host of gigs at Rainton Arena this summer, which should be able to go ahead without restrictions. They include Planet Circus from July 13-18, Little Fix on July 20, The Ultimate Girl Power Concert on August 26, Soul II Soul on August 28 and Cafe Mambo on September 18. Check their website for full listings. Photo: submitted
8. New small traders market, High Street West, first Sunday of the month starting August 1
A new market is to launch in Sunderland city centre, helping businesses battle back from the pandemic and offer shoppers a showcase of food, crafts and more. Andrea Bell, of Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen, will host the event on land opposite the Travelodge on High Street West, a short distance from the organisation’s Albert’s Place base.
It will be held on the first Sunday of every month, with the launch on August 1 from 10am to 2pm. There will be arts, crafts and street food stalls to browse. Photo: JPI MEDIA