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.
5. Let's Rock the North East, Herrington Country Park, August 21
Having postponed their 2020 summer series due to the pandemic, the Let’s Rock series of festivals have confirmed the rescheduled dates for summer 2021. The festival was initially due to take place on June 12, 2021, at Herrington Country Park, but has moved to August 21, with the line-up including OMD, The Human League, ABC, Sister Sledge, Midge Ure’s Electronica and more. Tickets are free for children aged three to 12, or from £46.20 for adults from letsrock80s.com Photo: JPI Media
6. Live Forever indie tribute night, The Point, September 10
Gig-goers can relive the glory days of indie with a touring tribute show. Taking place at the recently refurbished venue The Point, in Holmeside on Friday, September 10, the Live Forever tour is set to feature the world's number one Oasis tribute, Oasis UK, as well as The Kar-pets, an Inspiral Carpets tribute band actually fronted by the original band's most famous singer, Tom Hingley. Tickets priced £11 plus booking fee are available on Skiddle. Photo: submitted
7. Cafe Mambo, Rainton Arena, September 18
A flavour of the White Isle is heading to Wearside with a huge Cafe Mambo club night. Global house DJ Roger Sanchez, along with special guests saxophonist Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago, The Shapeshifters, Ferreck Dawn and Cafe Mambo resident Danny O will be raising the roof at Rainton Arena on September 18, 2021. Tickets priced from £27.75 are available from Skiddle. Photo: Submitted
8. Rocking in the Free World, Herrington Country Park, September 18
Organisers of a free festival headlined by Emeli Sandé at Herrington Country Park have announced a new date for 2021. Rocking In The Free World is the brainchild of friends Andrew Kennedy and Ben Potts, who came up with the idea last year of organising a free one day festival at Herrington Country Park for NHS Staff and essential workers. Among those who agreed to take part for free was multi-award winning Sunderland-born singer, Emeli Sandé, who was lined up to appear at the event which was scheduled for May 22. But now Andrew and Ben have taken the decision to move the event to September 18 with the original line up of Emeli, Karen Harding, Sons of Eden and Christian Yu on the main stage. Tickets available from www.rockinginthefreeworld.co.uk Photo: submitted