Everything you need to know about the One Big Summer launch event
Residents are being invited to join in a huge weekend of music, culture and community as the city officially launches One Big Summer: a summer long programme of music and cultural events across the city. This will start with a three day celebration on Keel Square and High Street West marking the arrival of BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend.
From Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May, Keel Square will host a packed programme of free entertainment, performances, activities and city‑wide moments designed to bring residents together and showcase the best of Sunderland.
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. The programme highlights the journey from grassroots talent to college and university performers, through to artists now stepping into their professional careers. This will offer them a valuable opportunity to perform on a fully produced stage in the heart of the city.
Saturday 23 May will see Keel Square and High Street West transformed into a vibrant celebration of Sunderland's creativity and cultural diversity. Across both locations, visitors can enjoy a full day of 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.
The closing day on Sunday 24 May Keel Square will host a Watch‑Along Party, bringing the excitement of Radio 1's Big Weekend directly to the city centre. A high‑energy 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. The event will offer a relaxed, festival‑inspired setting where attendees can settle in, enjoy the music and share the atmosphere of the final day together. The watch party will start at 1:30pm when the main stage performances start, and run until 9:45pm.
The full schedule for this free launch weekend is available at: One Big Summer - MySunderland
As part of the wider One Big Summer programme, there is an already packed line‑up of music events happening across the city, including performances in Keel Square, adding even more choice for residents and visitors. For more information and ticket information visit: One Big Summer - MySunderland
Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of Economy and Place at Sunderland City Council, said: "One Big Summer is about bringing people together and celebrating everything that makes Sunderland special. This launch weekend will give residents the chance to enjoy free live entertainment, take part in unforgettable shared moments and feel proud of our city as we welcome Radio 1's Big Weekend. It's a celebration of our creativity, our communities and the energy that defines Sunderland."
Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority said: "We're committed to creating opportunities for more people to experience the culture and creativity in the North East, and that's why we're delighted to support Sunderland with this vibrant and inclusive weekend of free activities.
"By supporting this programme, we're helping ensure that everyone can share in the excitement of Radio 1's Big Weekend, not just those who can afford to attend. And another great opportunity to boost local pride, showcase local artists, and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect and take part."
Tickets for the events that have already been announced as part of One Big Summer, are on sale now:
· 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
More details about One Big Summer and upcoming events will be shared in the coming weeks. Follow @SunderlandUKOfficial on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date, and check One Big Summer - MySunderland for more information. Or download the Sunderland App: The Sunderland App - MySunderland
