Family Fest

@Keel Square

The BBC Big Weekend is back in Sunderland for the first time in 21 years!

With a massive line-up including Fatboy Slim, Zara Larsson, Olivia Dean, Niall Horan, Kehlani, Myles Smith, Dermot Kennedy, Ellie Goulding, Louis Tomlinson, FISHER, Sonny Fodera and more.

Get your tickets NOW!

Enter a world of splendour, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical!

Winner of 10 Tony awards including Best Musical, Best Director, and Best Choreography Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and - above all - love, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind.

A fantastic variety of handpicked artisan local gift shopping stalls located in the Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland. 
Stalls include handmade gifts, art, delicious homebakes, gourmet sweet treats, photography, keepsakes, pet accessories, pamper products and so much more! 

Entry is free. 

As you sip and socialise with your afternoon tea, be serenaded by
the captivating voice of Amber Cox, whose live performance
will transport you to the grand ballrooms of the Bridgerton era.

Take That are taking to the stage at the Stadium of Light with the return of their spectacular 'The Circus Live' tour!

The Art, Craft & Graze Markets are all about slowing down, having a wander, and meeting the people behind the work.
Come along to browse handmade pieces, discover local artists and makers, and enjoy a chat with the creatives themselves.
Expect:
Original artwork & handmade crafts
Locally made gifts & home décor
Fresh bakes, savoury treats & artisan produce
A relaxed atmosphere filled with creativity
Whether you’re curious, collecting, or just fancy a relaxed morning out, there’s plenty to explore, taste, and enjoy.
Grab a coffee from the coffee caribe pod, take your time, and support Sunderland’s small businesses and creative community.

The artisan food and drink market will be held on the second Sunday of each month going forward. Visitors can wander around the many stalls and purchase from a range of local independent traders offering the very best produce, from crafted gifts to specialist breads and cakes, organic vegetables, charcuterie and more!

The Waterboys have been led by Scottish singer/guitarist Mike Scott since the 1980s and have evolved through many line-ups, winning a fearsome concert reputation along the way. One of the best live bands in the world, the 2025 group features double keyboard players Brother Paul from Memphis and James Hallawell from Cornwall, and is grounded by killer Irish rhythm section Aongus Ralston (bass) and Eamon Ferris (drums).

They reconfigure music from all stages of the band’s career, from the early “big music” of The Whole Of The Moon and classic album This Is The Sea through the roots-inspired Fisherman’s Blues era and the run of in-form records that have poured out since 2015’s Nashville-recorded Modern Blues, taking in soul, funk, country-rock and any other kind of music they care to play.

One of the defining bands of the last three decades, Embrace will headline Live at Cliffe Park on Friday 14th August as part of their huge 30th anniversary celebrations.

With three UK Number One albums, over two million records sold and a catalogue packed with era-defining hits including “Gravity”, “All You Good Good People”, “Ashes”, “Nature’s Law” and “Come Back To What You Know”, Embrace remain one of the country’s most powerful and emotional live bands.