New date for Sunderland's Lamplight Festival after it was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

Kaiser Chiefs, Deacon Blue and Sunderland’s own Frankie & the Heartstrings were due to perform at the inaugural Lamplight Festival on August 8 & 9 in Mowbray Park.

But, with no definitive date for when social distancing measures will be able to be lifted, Sunderland City Council have announced that the festival has been postponed until next year.

The first Lamplight Festival will now take place on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8, 2021 with the same line-up.

Victoria French, assistant director of Culture and Events at Sunderland City Council, said: "Following careful consideration, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone Lamplight Festival that was due to take place in August.

“This news is disappointing for lots of people but we hope that everyone will appreciate that the health of our communities must, and always will, come first in steering our decision making during this time.

“Planning has already begun for the 2021 event, we are delighted to be able to keep the headline artists intact and look forward to welcoming everyone then.”

All existing ticket purchases are now valid for the new 2021 dates, customers are, however, also eligible for a refund.

All customers will be emailed directly by their relevant ticket provider to advise on the transfer of tickets and be given advice on how to process a refund if they wish to do so.

Dave Harper from Frankie and The Heartstrings, added: "We announce ONE show and THIS is how the Cosmos reacts! Well, we are made of sterner stuff.

“We will be back, we will get on that stage and we will get back to normal. It's more important than ever that we remember what it is to collectively enjoy ourselves. It's one of the few things we are great at.

"Hopefully, this awful time will strengthen the resolve of our city and our communities. We won't forget this time but we can't forget that we need each other.

“Stay safe everyone and we'll see you next summer.”

For the more information visit www.lamplightfestival.co.uk.

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