14 new openings and festivals to look forward to in Sunderland in 2021
From breathing new life into underused buildings along the seafront to open air gigs, there’s plenty in the pipeline for 2021 – despite the current climate.
We’ve rounded up some of the new openings and events planned for when Lockdown eases. Note that information is current at the time of going to print, providing the roadmap for leading the country out of Lockdown goes to plan.
9. Lamplight Festival, Mowbray Park, August 7 and 8
As it stands, Sunderland's inaugural Lamplight Festival is going ahead this summer after the 2020 date had to be cancelled. It's set to feature performances from Kaiser Chiefs, Deacon Blue and Sunderland’s own Frankie & the Heartstrings. Tickets are available from www.lamplightfestival.co.uk Photo: submitted
10. Let's Rock the North East, Herrington Country Park, August 21, 2021
Having postponed their 2020 summer series due to the pandemic, the Let’s Rock series of festivals have confirmed the rescheduled dates for summer 2021. The festival was initially due to take place on June 12, 2021, at Herrington Country Park, but has moved to August 21, with the line-up including OMD, The Human League, ABC, Howard Jones, Sister Sledge, Midge Ure’s Electronica, Go West and more. Photo: JPI Media
11. Rocking in the Free World, Herrington Country Park, September 18
Organisers of a free festival headlined by Emeli Sandé at Herrington Country Park have announced a new date for 2021. Rocking In The Free World is the brainchild of friends Andrew Kennedy and Ben Potts, who came up with the idea last year of organising a free one day festival at Herrington Country Park for NHS Staff and essential workers.
Among those who agreed to take part for free was multi-award winning Sunderland-born singer, Emeli Sandé, who was lined up to appear at the event which was scheduled for May 22. But now Andrew and Ben have taken the decision to move the event to September 18 with the original line up of Emeli, Karen Harding, Sons of Eden and Christian Yu on the main stage, as well as James Haskell, Carly Wilford and Charlie Davies in the dance tent – with new acts added to the line-up in the coming weeks. Anyone wanting tickets can register at the website at www.rockinginthefreeworld.co.uk Photo: submitted
The ongoing renovation of Mackie's Corner has seen new life being breathed into the city centre landmark. A number of new openings have already taken place, including The Sweet Petite cake shop and Fat Unicorn deli, with more units set to open their doors this year. Photo: JPI Media