One Big Summer festival to launch in Sunderland city centre this weekend - here's what's happening

Not heading to Big Weekend? There’s plenty of entertainment happening elsewhere in the city - and it’s free.

To coincide with Radio 1’s Big Weekend, a new festival called One Big Summer launches in Sunderland this weekend kicking off a summer of music, art and entertainment.

From Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24, there will be a packed programme of free entertainment, performances and activities taking place on Keel Square and High Street West.

Friday’s launch event in Keel Square will feature an afternoon and evening of live music celebrating Sunderland’s creative talent, starting from 4pm.

The Bunker will open the programme, followed by a set delivered by Sunderland College.

Northern Academy of Music Education (NAME) will then take over the stage with a long set showcasing emerging local artists, before Isabel Maria headlines to close the first night.

Saturday, May 23 will see Keel Square and High Street West transformed with live music, dance, spoken word, fashion, and community performances, showcasing talent from across the city.

From emerging artists and community groups to established creative organisations, the entertainment will start at 11am and run until 9:30pm.

Keel Square will host a lively programme featuring Houghton Brass Band, Absolute Cabaret, The Rock Choirs, King Inks poetry, Sacred Drummers performance, and a headline evening set from Hyper Best.

Alongside the stage, the square will be filled with hands‑on creative activities including Pink Collar Gallery workshops, family craft zones, community engagement stalls, and immersive experiences delivered by local artists, charities and cultural organisations.

High Street West will run a parallel programme of performances throughout the day, including choirs, cultural groups, roaming samba, theatre‑inspired music and community ensembles.

The street will also host a rich mix of activities such as theatrical life drawing, circus skills, printmaking, art stalls, cultural demonstrations, and community engagement spaces.

At 3:30pm, Keel Square will unite for one of the weekend’s biggest moments: a mass flashmob filmed for the official music video of Open Arms.

This is Sunderland’s new anthem by Northern Daughters. Residents are encouraged to join in and help create a powerful shared moment for the city.

On Sunday, May 24, Keel Square will host a Watch‑Along Party, bringing the excitement of Radio 1’s Big Weekend to the city centre.

It’s a screening of the festival’s headline performances where audiences will be able to enjoy sets from Olivia Dean, Niall Horan, Kehlani, Dermot Kennedy, CMAT, Myles Smith, Jorja Smith (Party Set), Ezra Collective, FLO, Holly Humberstone and Maisie Peters. T

he event will offer a relaxed, festival‑inspired setting and will start at 1:30pm when the main stage performances start, and run until 9:45pm.

Events already announced for One Big Summer in Cliffe Park & Keel Square

· Embrace - Friday 14 August

· Ocean Colour Scene - Saturday 15 August

· George Michael tribute - Thursday 21 August

· Love The 90s - Friday 22 August

· GirlyPop - Saturday 23 August

· The Bootleg Beatles - Friday 28 August

· Armand Van Helden - Saturday 29 August

· Road to Nashville - Sunday 30 August

· Family Fest ft K- POP Live - Monday 31 August