There’s been increased optimism in the events industry this month after test gigs took place in Liverpool with no social distancing.
It’s hoped that gigs and events can take place without restrictions from June 21.
We’ve rounded up a host of diary dates to look forward to, from festivals in city parks to live shows at the Empire.
. Kubix festival, Herrington Country Park, July 2 and 3
One of the first large-scale events to take place following the planned easing of restrictions is Kubix festival on July 2 and 3. The line-up includes Vengaboys, 2-Unlimited, N-Trance, and East 17 on July 2 and Levellers, Stiff Little Fingers, Cast and more on July 3. Tickets are priced from £25 from KubixFestival.com. Photo: jpi media
. Brighter Days Festival, Herrington Country Park, July 4
House and techno favourites including Patrick Topping, Mella Dee and Sorley will perform at a huge new festival set to bring 10 hours of dancing to Sunderland this summer. Brighter Days Festival will take place at Herrington Country Park on July 4 2021, and will also feature Mele, Jaguar and Alex Virgo with support from Meg Ward, Ammara, Jordan, Curtis Graham and more. It will be one of the first large-scale events to take place in the city following the planned lifting of social distancing restrictions on June 21, 2021. Tickets start from £32.50, with a VIP offering from £40. Pre-register for early access to tickets at www.brighterdaysfestival.co.uk Photo: submitted
. Lamplight Festival, Mowbray Park, August 7 & 8
The inaugural Lamplight Festival can finally take place in Mowbray Park after being delayed due to the pandemic. Indie giants Kaiser Chiefs are taking to the main stage on Saturday 7 August alongside Sunderland’s very own Frankie and the Heartstrings. Joining them are breakthrough artists Zuzu, Big Society and Sunderland’s own Faye Fantarrow. Sunday 8 August sees Glaswegian pop rock band Deacon Blue headline the main stage with Lulu, Roddy Woomble and Tide Lines completing the bill. Tickets are available from £43.45 for a day ticket and are available from ticketmaster.co.uk or seetickets.com. Photo: submitted
1. Kubix festival, Herrington Country Park, July 2 and 3
One of the first large-scale events to take place following the planned easing of restrictions is Kubix festival on July 2 and 3. The line-up includes Vengaboys, 2-Unlimited, N-Trance, and East 17 on July 2 and Levellers, Stiff Little Fingers, Cast and more on July 3. Tickets are priced from £25 from KubixFestival.com. Photo: jpi media
2. Brighter Days Festival, Herrington Country Park, July 4
House and techno favourites including Patrick Topping, Mella Dee and Sorley will perform at a huge new festival set to bring 10 hours of dancing to Sunderland this summer. Brighter Days Festival will take place at Herrington Country Park on July 4 2021, and will also feature Mele, Jaguar and Alex Virgo with support from Meg Ward, Ammara, Jordan, Curtis Graham and more. It will be one of the first large-scale events to take place in the city following the planned lifting of social distancing restrictions on June 21, 2021. Tickets start from £32.50, with a VIP offering from £40. Pre-register for early access to tickets at www.brighterdaysfestival.co.uk Photo: submitted
3. Lamplight Festival, Mowbray Park, August 7 & 8
The inaugural Lamplight Festival can finally take place in Mowbray Park after being delayed due to the pandemic. Indie giants Kaiser Chiefs are taking to the main stage on Saturday 7 August alongside Sunderland’s very own Frankie and the Heartstrings. Joining them are breakthrough artists Zuzu, Big Society and Sunderland’s own Faye Fantarrow. Sunday 8 August sees Glaswegian pop rock band Deacon Blue headline the main stage with Lulu, Roddy Woomble and Tide Lines completing the bill. Tickets are available from £43.45 for a day ticket and are available from ticketmaster.co.uk or seetickets.com. Photo: submitted
4. Rock of Ages, Sunderland Empire, August 24-28
As the Empire prepares to reopen all performances have been suspended until after June 26, however, Rock of Ages is one of those still set to go ahead. Rock of Ages is an LA love story with more than 25 classic rock anthems. The musical comedy, which spawned a Hollywood movie starring Tom Cruise, features songs including We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, played loud and proud by a live band. Photo: submitted