Summer in Sunderland is about to get even bigger, with the announcement of two new headline shows with GirlyPop and global dance icon Armand Van Helden joining an already stacked August programme at Keel Square.
These latest announcements are joining the already confirmed Love The 90s, The Bootleg Beatles, Road to Nashville and K‑POP Live events, creating two unmissable, action packed weekends of live music in the heart of the city this summer. This is part of Sunderland’s ‘One Big Summer’ programme which kicks off with BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend at Herrington Country Park in May and continues with a vibrant line‑up of events across the whole summer.
The expanded programme brings even more choice for residents and visitors as Sunderland continues to build its reputation as a major events destination. The series includes Love The 90s on Friday 22 August, followed by GirlyPop on Saturday 23 August, offering two nights of nostalgia, pop anthems and feelgood party energy.
The following weekend, the world-famous Bootleg Beatles will perform on Friday 28 August, bringing an open air celebration of era defining hits from 6pm–10.30pm. The momentum continues on Saturday 29 August, when global dance music icon Armand Van Helden takes over Keel Square with a huge outdoor set.
On Sunday 30 August, the city transforms into a Wild West playground for Road to Nashville, a full day country music festival running from 12 noon-10.30pm, complete with live tribute acts, food, immersive experiences and line dancing. The second weekend closes with KPOP Live on Monday 31 August, bringing high energy performances and fan favourite hits to round off the bank holiday in style.
With six shows across two weekends, the One Big Summer programme includes something for everyone, from pop fans and dance lovers to country music enthusiasts, families and K‑pop communities.
And this is just the beginning, with even more events still to be revealed. Watch this space for upcoming announcements including brand new community events and the next wave in this growing summer series.
Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council said: “This programme is bringing something new and exciting to the city. Sunderland is already proving itself as a place where major music moments can happen, from BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend to the Stages FSTR rave in Riverside car park. These new events build on that momentum.
“With such a diverse mix of artists and experiences, we’re offering something the city hasn’t seen before, and it’s fantastic to see Keel Square becoming a home for big, vibrant live shows and community events. It’s another brilliant step forward for our growing reputation as an events city.”
Tickets for all events are on sale now:
- Love The 90s – Friday 22 August
- GirlyPop – Saturday 23 August
- The Bootleg Beatles – Friday 28 August
- Armand Van Helden – Saturday 29 August
- Road to Nashville – Sunday 30 August
- K POP Live – Monday 31 August