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Festival kicks off a summer of music, art and entertainment
Sunderland Echo
|May 22, 2026
Not heading to Big Weekend? There's plenty of entertainment happening elsewhere in the city - and it's free.
One Big Summer launches this weekend.
To coincide with Radio 1's Big Weekend, a new festival called One Big Summer launches in Sunderland this weekend kicking off a summer of music, art and entertainment.
From today to Sunday, there will be a packed programme of free entertainment, performances and activities taking place on Keel Square and High Street West.
Friday's launch event in Keel Square will feature an afternoon and evening of live music celebrating Sunderland's creative talent, starting from 4pm.
The Bunker will open the programme, followed by a set delivered by Sunderland College.
Northern Academy of Music Education (NAME) will then take over the stage with a long set showcasing emerging local artists, before Isabel Maria headlines to close the first night.
This story is from the May 22, 2026 edition of Sunderland Echo.
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