‘Really special weekend’: Radio 1’s Big Weekend a huge success
Sunderland took centre stage at the weekend as one of the biggest music festivals in the country kicked off.
Around 100,000 festivalgoers flocked to Herrington Country Park at the weekend when Radio 1’s Big Weekend brought the party to Sunderland.
From Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24, more than 100 artists took to three stages, including Fisher, Fatboy Slim, Ellie Goulding, Olivia Dean and Zara Larsson.
Councillor Chris Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s been a really special weekend for Sunderland, bringing people together from across the city and beyond to share in all the excitement of having one of the country’s biggest music festivals on our doorstep.
“The weather’s been glorious, adding to the festival atmosphere on site, and we’ve seen some fantastic sets from the biggest names in music, while our home‑grown North East talent has also had the chance to shine on the BBC Introducing stage.
“Events like this deliver huge cultural and economic benefits for the city, generating spend in local cafes, bars, hotels and restaurants.”
A host of homegrown Mackem talent also performed at the three-day event, including LP Rhythm, Anish Kumar, Sorley, Able Jack, Tom A Smith and Swindled.
In a joint statement, brothers Jonny and Will Swindle, from Swindled, said: “To be playing at a such a huge event in the first place is surreal, but the fact that it’s in our hometown makes it extra special.
"We’re having the time of our lives right now and it’s amazing to have Sunderland firmly on the musical map where it belongs.
"We grew up in Herrington Park and every year we can hear the events from Sunderland City Council our houses. It’s a pleasure to have played.”
To coincide with Radio 1’s Big Weekend, a new festival called One Big Summer made its debut in Sunderland, offering a range of music, art and entertainment on Keel Square and High Street West.
Friday’s launch event featured an afternoon and evening of live music from Sunderland College and Northern Academy of Music Education.
On Saturday, the city was transformed into a hub of music from the likes of Houghton Brass Band, The Rock Choirs and Northern Daughters.