A North East arts venue has unveiled its packed Spring programme for 2026.
Arts Centre Washington, based in Sunderland, will offer visitors a diverse season of theatre, live music, comedy, exhibitions, film, and workshops running from February through to July.
The schedule includes events for all ages, featuring everything from family puppet shows and youth theatre to tribute bands and enamel jewellery workshops.
Matt Blyth, culture and heritage officer at Sunderland Culture, said: "This Spring, we’re thrilled to present an exciting programme of music, theatre, exhibitions, comedy, film, classes, courses and more.
"As we celebrate Sunderland’s Year of Music, we’re delighted to partner with Sunderland Music City to launch the very first Washington Folk Festival, and to work with We Make Culture’s YMP Collective on a special local music showcase featuring one of the city’s most exciting emerging talents, Izzy Price.
"We are also welcoming the Royal Northern Sinfonia to the arts centre for the very first time.
"It’s also a year of festival firsts as we join forces with Felt Nowt Comedy Club to bring you our inaugural Washy Comedy Fest in May, showcasing some of the best local comedians and family-friendly events.
"There really is something for everyone so please check out the website and see what’s coming up."
The theatre line-up includes a mix of drama, comedy, and family performances.
Highlights include the medical spoof General Medical Emergency Ward 10 on March 25, Mortal Fools’ tech-savvy youth production Wired on April 16, and a North East staging of Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night on May 27.
Younger audiences can enjoy stories brought to life through puppetry, including Bearly There on February 14, Ruby’s Worry on March 7, and The Tale of the Loneliest Whale on April 9.
Music fans can look forward to the brand-new Washington Folk Festival running April 2–4, featuring performances by folk favourites Martin Simpson, Bob Fox, and Jez Lowe.
The festival will also include workshops, a ceilidh, and a real ale festival.
Other musical highlights include a swing band dance night, tribute performances, and a concert by Royal Northern Sinfonia on June 17.
The comedy offering this Spring includes Patrick Monahan’s feel-good show The Good, The Pat & The Ugly on April 24 and the three-day Washy Comedy Fest from May 21–23.
The festival will feature family shows, debut acts, and the Babes in Arms Comedy Club.
Younger audiences can catch Lee Kyle’s Giant Comedy Show for Families Who Aren’t Boring and Matt Reed: Stalked, a darkly funny tale of catfishing gone wrong, both on May 23.
The centre will also host regular community events, including the Spring Craft & Makers Fair on March 21 and the Bright Lights Youth Arts Festival from February 24–28.
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Visual art exhibitions will run throughout the season, including Rory Williams’ Present Continuous, Present Imperfect from March 17 to April 25, Nat Hardy’s ISM – Art with Heart from May 8 to June 6, and Stronger Seams: Beyond Coal from June 19 to July 25.
Film fans can enjoy relaxed Wednesday matinees at 1pm, with screenings such as The Ballad of Wallis Island on February 11, The Life of Chuck on March 11, and The Penguin Lessons on April 8.
Workshops on offer include enamel jewellery making on April 23 and 30, life drawing on April 9 and July 2, and weekly Nifties activities for older adults.
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