New music festival to take over Sunderland city centre

The free event, One City, One Voice, will take over Sunderland city centre on Saturday, August 2, as part of the Sunderland Year of Music 2025–2026.

Sunderland Music City is organising the event, which will feature outdoor stages, DJ workshops and performances from emerging talent.

Michelle Daurat, lead at Sunderland Music City, said: “One City, One Voice is entirely free of charge and is designed to unite the community.There will be an interactive DJ workshop led by DJ Jamal G (Jamal Graham) at The Fire Station (Image: Supplied)

“We’re really excited to bring together people of all ages and from all walks of life together in a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and togetherness throughout the city.”

Live music will be performed across three outdoor stages at Sunderland Minster, The Fire Station and The Peacock.

The Bunker will host a stage in Minster Park, featuring youth and adult singing groups, tutors and the Young Musicians Project.

The Northern Academy of Music Education is sponsoring the stage outside The Peacock, where four of its students will perform.

Alongside the performances, the event will offer an interactive DJ workshop led by DJ Jamal G (Jamal Graham) at The Fire Station.

The hands-on session will run throughout the day, giving attendees of all skill levels the chance to try DJ equipment and learn the basics of mixing.

Buskers will also perform at various city centre locations and along the Roker seafront, using the Sunderland Music City busker pitches introduced earlier this year.

Beccy Young (This Little Bird) will play Roker seafront from 11am to 12pm, followed by Ruby Kelly from 1pm to 2pm.

James Berry will perform at Mackies Corner from 12pm to 1pm, and Jenny Dean will be at Park Lane from 2pm to 3pm.

The festivities will continue into the evening with a free entry event at Mexico 70, where Beccy Young will DJ from 8.30pm until late.

One City, One Voice is part of a larger programme of more than 500 events planned for the Sunderland Year of Music, following the city’s designation as a global Music City in January 2025.

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The title, awarded by the Music Cities Network, places Sunderland alongside cities such as Manchester, Berlin and Sydney.

The recognition highlights Sunderland’s long-term investment in music as a driver for social and economic growth.

The Sunderland Year of Music is supported by public funding from Arts Council England.

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