Sunderland festival will return in July

Because of Covid, Summer Streets was a virtual event in 2020 and although there were some live performances in 2021, it was a much scaled-back event.

This year, however, Summer Streets will once again have three performance stages, an eclectic mix of musical genres and plenty of activities and workshops for families to enjoy.

Read more: Meet the County Durham single mum who has won SAS: Who Dares Wins

Festival organiser Ross Millard, guitarist and vocalist with The Futureheads, is keeping the musical line-up under wraps for now, but outlined what else will be happening on Saturday, July 9 at Cliff Park, Roker.

“We’re just finalising a few things, but the musical line-up will be announced in a week or so. It will feature the usual blend of community performers, up-and-coming bands and established performers. What I can say is that there will be some familiar names and a few new ones."

BBC Look North presenter Jeff Brown will host the day, and will be joined by his BBC Introducing colleague Nick Roberts.

A community group, or creative company or individual, will be commissioned to decorate the Cliff Park site, which has had scarecrow themes and an Alice In Wonderland theme before.

This year’s commission is only open to Sunderland based groups or individuals who would work with the local community in producing the decorations.

The deadline for submission is Thursday, May 26.

More information for the commission, with a budget up to £2,000, can be found at https://www.theculturalspring.org/summer-streets-callout

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