A Big Weekend for Sunderland

It was a Big Weekend for Sunderland as BBC Radio 1's flagship festival brought more than 100 of the world's leading artists to the city for an unforgettable three days of music.

Twenty-one years since the event was last held there, Herrington Country Park came alive as around 100,000 music fans descended on the festival in the shadow of the magnificent Penshaw Monument.

The epic event saw global headliners Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson, Fatboy Slim, Lola Young, Fisher, MK, Sonny Fodera, CMAT, Dermott Kennedy, Ellie Goulding, Kehlani, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan performing on the main stage over the festival weekend.

Sunderland City Council Leader, Councillor Chris Eynon, said: "It's been an unforgettable weekend for people across our city and region, with three amazing days of world-class music on our doorstep.

 

"It's also been a fantastic celebration of our wonderful home-grown talent, with 11 North East artists getting the chance to perform in front of tens of thousands of festival-goers on the BBC Introducing stage, reflecting our thriving music scene.

"Events like this aren't just great for everyone who gets the chance to go along. They also generate a multi-million pound boost to our economy from increased visitor numbers and spend in local restaurants, cafes, hotels and bars.

"Once again, we've seen Sunderland shine on the international stage, proving our credentials as a city with an excellent track record for hosting major world class events.

"But this weekend has also been very much about making sure the wider community gets to join in the excitement of the Big Weekend coming to the city, even if they haven't got a ticket for the main event.

"That's why we held our own free 'One Big Summer' celebration in Keel Square giving residents the chance to enjoy free live entertainment jam-packed with music, culture and community, across all three days of the Big Weekend. So there really has been something for everyone."

Councillor Ciera Hudspith, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, added: "It's been great to see so many people joining in our free One Big Summer event in Keel Square, kicking off a summer long programme of music and cultural events across the city. 

"This has been a real celebration of community, with groups and organisations from across our city helping deliver three fantastic days of live entertainment and family activities in a packed programme which has seen everything from live music celebrating our city's creative talent, to circus skills, family craft zones and Samba drumming.

"We also saw the brilliant Northern Daughters' flashmob, filmed for the official video of their Open Arms anthem for Sunderland, bringing people together in a shared moment for the city and it's been a great weekend all round."

Sunderland City Council worked alongside the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to ensure that the Big Weekend was one of the major events of the summer and a fantastic experience for everyone attending.

Funding from the North East Mayor has helped the Big Weekend and accompanying fringe activities to achieve maximum reach and exposure, at the same time as strengthening the North East's position as a world class major event host.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness said: "Mam, do you remember Big Weekend Sunderland 2026?

 

"The North East has proven time and time again that we know how to throw a party. Sun, good vibes and great music - this BBC Big Weekend will go down as a moment to remember. A moment in time that will become woven into the fabric of our cultural legacy, just like Sam Fender homecoming gigs playing St James' Park.

"For me, events like this are a fantastic opportunity for our homegrown artists to perform on stage in front of huge crowds and gain the recognition they deserve. I want our creatives to succeed in the North East without needing to go to the capital, and we need to carry the momentum of Big Weekend to create more opportunities for local people to experience local music. That's why we're investing in recording studios, venues and events.

"For Sunderland, we're building on the legacy of Big Weekend, with One Big Summer of free events. That's more chances for local artists and creators to grow, and more opportunities for you and your family to take part, try something new, and feel proud of where you live."