Park bandstands to host everything from music and poetry to fashion and folk

Historic bandstands in Sunderland parks will come alive with music, poetry, fashion, art and more.

Entitled Back to the Bandstands, the series of free events kicks off at Mowbray Park bandstand this Saturday, August 22 from 10am to 4pm.

The first session, Art and Poetry in the Park, is aimed at being a celebration of creativity with live poetry performances delivered by King Ink and interactive art workshops and guided open-air painting sessions led by 24 North East gallery.

The following weekend, on Saturday, August 29, from 10am to 6pm, the spotlight turns to local music with Made @ The Bandstand.

Delivered in association with Purple Roomz Studios, the free event will transform the bandstand in Mowbray Park into a live music venue featuring singers, rappers and DJs from across Sunderland's thriving music scene.

Fashion is the theme of Fashion Meets Art, which takes place in Roker Park on Saturday, September 5 - although it’s not been confirmed whether the restored Roker Park bandstand will feature in the event.

The event will feature a mini fashion show, showcasing local talent.

The series concludes on Sunday, September 13 with Folk in the Park at Barnes Park, which will feature live folk music performances.

No timings have been announced as yet, but visitors can enjoy instrument workshops, local craft stalls and a ceilidh led by the Keel Assembly Ceilidh Band.

The events come under the One Big Summer banner, a series of events the council has been running named after Radio 1’s Big Weekend, which kicked off the events in style in May.

Councillor Ciera Hudspith, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage at Sunderland City Council, said: "One Big Summer has brought thousands of people together across Sunderland this year, and these final four events are a fantastic way to round off the programme.

"From poetry and painting to live music, fashion and folk dancing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These events showcase the incredible creativity and talent we have in our city while making arts and culture accessible in fun, welcoming outdoor settings.

"We look forward to seeing residents and visitors come together over the coming weeks to enjoy these unique events and celebrate everything that makes Sunderland such a vibrant and creative place."

All four events are free to attend and open to people of all ages.