We’ve rounded up 20 of the best gigs and events to put in your diaries.
9. Paul Smith, Independent, May 21
Paul Smith, of Maximo Park fame, will be performing at Independent in Holmeside on May 21. In a rare concert accompanying himself on guitar, Paul will be playing material from his latest album Diagrams as well as the occasional old favourite. Photo: Submitted
10. Let's Rock the North East, Herrington Country Park, June 6
OMD, Billy Ocean, ABC and a host of other household names have been announced for this year’s Let’s Rock the North East in Sunderland. The popular retro festival is returning to Herrington Country Park next summer on June 6 and festival-goers can look forward to a trip down memory lane headlined by OMD. Other acts announced for the Sunderland date are Billy Ocean, ABC, Sister Sledge, Go West, Midge Ure’s Electronica, Nik Kershaw, Toyah, English Beat and Pete Wylie. There will also be a Retrobates Party Live featuring Sydney Youngblood, The Gibson Brothers, Mari Wilson, Tenpole Tudor, Modern Romance, Captain Sensible and Black Lace’s Conga Party. Photo: JPI Media
11. Kubix Festival, Herrington Country Park, July 10 & 11
Kubix Festival will return to Herrington Country Park in 2020 with a bumper line-up including local heroes The Futureheads. The Sunderland four-piece have been announced as Saturday’s Marquee Stage headliners for the festival, which takes place on July 10 and 11, with Irish indie legends Ash also confirmed for the main stage. The first day, Friday, July 10, will see Kubix celebrate the best of ‘80s and ‘90s pop, with acts already confirmed including Vengaboys, N-Trance, East 17, Blow Monkeys, D;Ream, Smoove & Turrell and Vandebilt, with many more to be announced. The Saturday Main Stage headliners are The Levellers, with New Model Army, Ash, Cast, The Selecter, The Wedding Present, and Wilko Johnson preceding them. Photo: JPI Media
12. BIG walk, Herrington Country Park, July
Sunderland BIG walk at Herrington Country Park will return in July. With three different routes available all starting and ending in Herrington Country Park there is something to suit all ages and abilities. The exact date isn't available yet, but you can reserve your place on the council website. Photo: JPI Media