Sunderland poised to hold Three Lions sing-a-long celebration with Lightning Seeds

England fans watching the England v Panama World Cup match at the Sunderland BID fanzone, Low Row, Sunderland on Sunday.

The Lightning Seeds, who released the football anthem with David Baddiel and Frank Skinner to mark Euro ‘96, will headline this year’s Sunniside Live on July 7 and are expected to perform the No 1 hit.

The festival returns to the city centre for its fourth year on July 6 and 7 and over the course of the two days will host the popular Fan Zone for the quarter final matches, taking place at 3pm and 7pm each day.

It means if England make it through next week’s last 16 knockout stage, fans will be able to celebrate with the band who helped make the ode to England and their 1966 World Cup glory such a hit.

Joining Lightning Seeds on the Saturday bill are Cast, Reverend and the Makers, The Larkins and local singer Tom Smith from East Rainton.

Meanwhile, the Friday night of the festival will be more dance-orientated with performances from Soul II Soul, Artful Dodger, Hacienda DJ Graeme Park and Ibiza favourite Lovely Laura.

In the Fan Zone, which attracted hundreds to Low Row on Sunday, matches are broadcast from a 20-foot screen on the side of a double decker bus, which also features an on-board bar and seating area.

For tonight’s match against Belgium it will be parked up at Park Lane.

Tickets for Sunniside Live are still available at https://www.sunnisidelive.com/