Sunderland to Host Underground Rave as STAGES Festival Launches 2026 with "fstr."

Sunderland is gearing up for an explosive start to 2026 as STAGES Festival announces fstr., an underground rave headlined by global electronic heavyweights Ben Nicky and Darren Styles. With more headliners still to be announced. 

Taking place on Friday 27 March in the atmospheric, and award-winning, Riverside Car Park at Farringdon Row, the event will transform the multi-level car park into a high-energy music space, bringing one of the most unique music experiences the city has ever hosted. 

Tickets are on sale now starting at £17.50. 

Ben Nicky, one of the busiest and most influential electronic artists in the world, continues to dominate global charts and stages with his fast-paced, genre-blending sets. Praised by industry icons and followed by millions, he remains a driving force in modern dance music. 

Joining him is Darren Styles, a pioneer of harder-style electronic music with more than 25 years at the top of the scene. Known for his explosive live sets and groundbreaking productions, he brings a legacy of innovation and crowd-moving energy. 

With additional headliners still to be revealed, fstr. is shaping up to be one of the standout events of the year. 

Councillor Beth Jones, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture and Tourism for Sunderland City Council 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." 

Fstr. also forms part of Sunderland's rapidly growing music industry, arriving during Music City's Year of Music and building on the excitement ahead of the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend coming to Herrington Country Park in May.

This project has received funding from the UK Government through the North East Combined Authority and UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Sunderland Partnership oversees approvals for UKSPF grants.

Ken Bremner MBE, Chief Executive of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and Chair of the Sunderland Partnership, said: "It's fantastic to see music events like this choosing Sunderland, and we're proud to support activity that brings people together and strengthens the city's growing reputation as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.  

"Investment in events and culture has a real impact on community wellbeing, local pride and the wider economy, and it's encouraging to see partners working collectively to make opportunities like this possible. With more headliners still to be announced, this promises to be an exciting moment for the city and another example of Sunderland's ambition and momentum." 

For ticket information visit https://www.stages-festival.co.uk/ 

For more information, please visit the website https://www.stages-festival.co.uk/, or follow Stages Festival at https://www.facebook.com/stagessunderland/ and https://www.instagram.com/stagessunderland.