Sunderland Live spreads concerts vibe

A free programme of live music and entertainment and a series of great restaurant and café bar offers will keep the feel good factor going strong in Sunderland during the series of summer concerts and throughout the month of June.

“Summer in the City” will feature live music, buskers, street entertainment and markets bringing the city centre alive each Wednesday and Saturday and on the days of the concerts throughout June.

The Sunderland Live organised programme of activity will take place during a month when US rock stars Bon Jovi (June 13), global superstar Rihanna (June 20) and pop extravaganza North East Live (June 22) all visit the Stadium of Light.

Chris Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Sunderland Live, said: “This is a chance for everyone in the city, including people who are visiting Sunderland during the series of concerts, to keep that feel good factor going and enjoy a wide variety of live music and entertainment.

“There is something for everyone and it’s also a chance for musicians and singers from across the city and the region to showcase their talent.

“It will be a great way to keep visitors entertained while they shop, dine or enjoy a drink in the city centre.”

There will be at least 7 sites for live music situated at locations across the city centre, including Market Square, Blandford Street, The Bridges, Park Lane and High Street West.

The series of summer concerts at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light are expected to bring more than 120,000 visitors to Sunderland and the city’s bars, restaurants, shops and taxi companies could be in line to share a £10 million windfall thanks to the extra visitors.

In addition to live music and street entertainment there will be a creative Makers Market taking place in Sunniside on Saturday 22 June and the monthly Farmers Market on Friday 28 June in Market Square.

For those wanting to eat out in the city centre during the month of June the new and exciting “Restaurant Wednesdays” will be just what people are looking for. More than a dozen restaurants and café bars have signed up for this unique dining experience offering a range of discounts for customers on Wednesdays throughout the month and vouchers will be available to download from the Sunderland Live Facebook page soon.

Harry Collinson, Chairman of the Sunderland City Centre Traders Association, commented:

“Summer in the City is a great idea. It gives the people of Sunderland another reason to visit the City Centre and the event will allow Restaurants and Cafe Bars to showcase their venues alongside some great entertainment .The City Centre is not just for shopping and an event like this can demonstrate just what we can offer. It's fantastic to see Sunderland Live working with City Centre businesses; long may it continue!”

To find out more about this summer’s concerts visit the official concert website at SAFC Concerts.