Find out more about how Pop Recs plans to boost culture in Sunderland

Dave Harper at the new Pop Recs in High Street West

Pop Recs, at the bottom of High Street West, is one of the venues throwing open its doors as part of the annual event which is running from today until Sunday.

The site, which is being converted into a new home for the culture hub, once housed the first Binns store and will be open from 10am to 4pm tomorrow for people to find out more about the plans.

Dave Harper, from Pop Recs, said: “As well as letting the people of Sunderland know our intentions we will have music from Keith Gregson, who will be performing some colloquial songs from or about Sunderland.”

Sunderland City Council cabinet member for communities and culture, Coun John Kelly, said: “Heritage Open Days offer a fantastic once-a-year opportunity to enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of some of our hidden historical and architectural gems.

“This year we’ve got a mix of old favourites like the Queen Street Masonic Hall in the East End with new additions like 170 High Street West, where Binns first started out, which is now being converted into a home for Pop Recs independent record shop.

“There’s also the opportunity to visit the Sikh Temple in Ashbrooke, enjoy a hard-hat tour of Hylton Castle and visit the Darwin Brewery in Southwick.

“These are 35 tours, events and activities bringing local history and culture to life in Sunderland. There really is something for everyone, and I’d urge everyone to have a look at the website and see what’s on offer.”

More on the remaining events taking place is available at www.heritageopendays.org.ukFind out more about Pop Recs and why patron James Bay has thrown his weight behind the venture here.