STAGES PRESENTS: fstr.

Sunderland is set to ignite the start of 2026 with a bold and unforgettable celebration of underground electronic music as STAGES Festival unveils its very first event: fstr. Designed to set the tone for the festival's arrival in the city, fstr. promises an electrifying night that pushes boundaries and transforms expectations.

Taking over the award‑winning Riverside Car Park at Farringdon Row, this multi‑level urban space will be reimagined into a pulsating, high‑energy rave environment. With its raw concrete structure, atmospheric lighting potential and industrial character, the venue offers the perfect backdrop for one of the most unique music experiences Sunderland has ever hosted.

Date: Friday 27 March 2026
Venue: Riverside Car Park, Farringdon Row, Sunderland
Tickets: On sale now from £17.50

Headlining the launch are two titans of the global electronic scene. Ben Nicky, one of the most in‑demand DJs and producers on the planet, known for his relentless touring schedule, chart‑topping releases and signature fast‑paced, genre‑blending sets. With millions of followers and praise from some of the biggest names in dance music, he brings an intensity and energy that guarantees a huge night. Darren Styles, a true pioneer of harder‑style electronic music, brings more than 25 years of influence, innovation and crowd‑shaking performances. His explosive live sets and iconic productions have shaped the genre and continue to inspire new generations of fans.

With more headliners still to be announced, fstr. is already shaping up to be one of the standout events of the year — a must‑attend night for dance music fans and a powerful opening statement for STAGES Festival's arrival in Sunderland.

For ticket information visit https://www.stages-festival.co.uk/ 

For more information, please visit the website https://www.stages-festival.co.uk/, or follow Stages Festival at https://www.facebook.com/stagessunderland/ and https://www.instagram.com/stagessunderland.