Sunderland car park closed to host 'underground rave' - here's what you need to know
One of Sunderland’s newest car parks is closed for a number of days to host what’s been billed as an ‘underground rave.’
The Riverside car park closed as a car park yesterday, March 25, and will remain closed for that purpose until 7am on Monday, March 30, with drivers told to use alternative parking.
Called fstr (pronounced faster), the dance event will see headline performances from DJs Ben Nicky and Darren Styles on Friday, March 27.
The event, which is seeing a stage and bar installed in the car park, is close to selling out and will also feature sets by Ryan Mckie, Jay Stone and Jack Lyon.
Ben Nicky is one of the busiest and most influential electronic artists in the world. Darren Styles, meanwhile, is a pioneer of harder-style electronic music with more than 25 years at the top of the scene.
For those attending the event, gates open at 5.30pm with last entry at 7pm, with the event ending at 11pm.
It’s being hosted by Stages Festival, part of Sunderland City Council’s events team.
Speaking on the announcement of the event, Councillor Beth Jones, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture and Tourism for Sunderland City Council, said it was a unique use of the multi-storey.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see events of this scale and creativity choosing Sunderland. Hosting internationally recognised artists like Ben Nicky and Darren Styles, with more big names still to come, shows the growing confidence in our city as a destination for major cultural experiences.
“Transforming an award winning multi storey car park into an unexpected and unique rave venue reflects the ambition and energy driving Sunderland forward. We look forward to welcoming fans from across the region and beyond.”