IT'S SUMMER IN SUNDERLAND...

IT'S SUMMER IN SUNDERLAND...

STREET theatre, soul food and a right royal celebration are just some of the events in store this summer in Sunderland.

From June through to September the city will play host to parties and performers, from Ed Sheeran to Elton John - and now Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council has unveiled a full breakdown of what is in store, for residents and visitors alike. Summer in the city begins on 2 June with five days of celebrations for HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, when Park Lane, Low Row, Keel Square and Sunniside Gardens and High Street West will play host to a variety of costumed characters.

The weekend coincides with Ed Sheeran's sell out concert at the Stadium of Light on 3 and 4 June and, both then and for Elton John's concert on 19 June, Low Row will echo to the sound of a steel band, aerial artists will perform at High Street West and the circus will come to the city's Keel Square. On 5 June, Mowbray Park will be the setting for The Big Jubilee Lunch, from 11am to 4pm and Sunderland BID is inviting families to either bring a picnic or purchase food from a variety of street food stalls and enjoy an afternoon of activities for all ages.

These will include kids' clubs and drama workshops, teaching a selection of royal skills from waving to curtseying, with live music from Back Chat Brass and local buskers. The following weekend, from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 June, Sunderland is holding its first Souled Out Festival on the former Vaux site with three days of live music, street food stalls and attractions. Souled Out is part of the wider Soul Food and Music Festival taking place across the city from 10 to 12 June, with a range of free events at Keel Square, including family entertainment, food and music. On 22 July, the city's first ever Roller Rink will arrive Keel Square, from 11am to 8pm with special sessions themed to pay tribute to music across the decades. And from 25 July to 4 September Sunderland BID has lined up a packed programme of events and activities to keep all ages entertained throughout the school holidays.

These include appearances by magical characters, free workshops, kids' clubs, an AR trail and much more and Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said the entire summer programme is "a welcome return to normality."

"We are determined to make sure everyone has a great time and is able to enjoy the best of everything the city has to offer," she said.

Cllr Linda Williams, Cabinet Member for Vibrant City at Sunderland City Council, said Sunderland was looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages both locally and from further afield.

"This programme of events will not only provide entertainment throughout the summer holidays, but it will also showcase our superb facilities and really highlight our creativity and community spirit," she said.

For more information visit https://www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/events/summer-city