VENUES across Sunderland are all tuned in for a day packed with musical performances.
On Friday 21 June the city will once again mark Make Music Day UK, an annual celebration of music making.
Sunderland celebrated the day for the first time last year and this time round it will be even bigger and better than ever before, with a whole host of city centre venues taking part.
Busking spots have been set up at key locations in High Street West, Market Square, Fawcett Street, the Bridges, Park Lane and outside of the Fire Station, with 45 minute slots featuring a range of different performers at 11am noon, 1pm and 2pm.
Along with a range of busking talent which will be showcased at each venue, the Bridges will also feature a number of school performances during the day.
Anyone interested in exploring their own musical talent can do so at The Bunker at Stockton Road, which is running a free, interactive open day with lessons, workshops and performances.
The Glass Onion at Blandford Street will have live music throughout the day, including a performance by Sunderland Male Voice Choir outside of the venue at noon and 1.30pm.
Other venues are using the day to showcase local talent with Otto at Stockton Road running a Late Night and Live Night featuring acoustic sets from four local artistes, while The Independent on Holmeside will also have a night featuring homegrown performers.
Ben Wall, who owns the Independent, believes it will be an amazing day.
“It's great for Sunderland to be involved in Make Music Day, supported by Sunderland BID, Sunderland City Council and We Make Culture,” he said.
“We'll be opening our doors at Independent for a live music showcase with a selection of our favourite emerging artists from across Sunderland.
“Make Music Day is a great opportunity to spread the sound of music across the city, from young buskers during the day to venues full of performers during the evening and much more besides.
“Hopefully this can help drive new customers into these venues and to discover some of the talent we have in Sunderland."
Other venues taking part include the Live Lounge – at Park Lane – which will have the band The Codgers playing that night while the Manor Bar will have an acoustic solo set.
Sunniside is also getting in on the act with Diego’s Joint hosting The Comfortable Cabaret – an integrated Pride and music event featuring local musicians and Rainbow Hub running a karaoke event, followed by a performance from rock band, Three Odd Shoes.
Visitors to Keel Square will also not miss out, with Keel Tavern staff creating a playlist of their favourite songs which will play throughout the day and the James H Trio performing at The Botanist throughout the evening.
Band The Magic Beans will be playing at The Peacock while at 1719 – the former Holy Trinity Church in Hendon – Alan Barnes and the Dean Stockdale Trio will play as part of The Old Black Cat Jazz Club night.
The Fire Station is holding a free public showcase for secondary school ensembles between noon and 1pm and in the evening will be holding a ticketed showcase event, featuring a range of artist development organisations.
Those taking part include Sunderland College, Northern Academy Of Music Education (NAME), Young Musicians Project, Northern Roots, The Glasshouse and The Bunker. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.thefirestation.org.uk/
Funding for some of the event has also made possible by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) following a successful application made by Sunderland BID, which led to an award of £202,253.
This money is being used on various projects in the Sunniside area, designed to build pride in place and a sense of community.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID which is organising the event, is overwhelmed by the response.
“We were delighted with the positive reaction there was to our first Make Music Day last year but we’ve absolutely blown that out of the water this time round,” she said.
“It also plays an important role in showcasing the musical talent we have here, which will be very important as we go for Music City status.
“The whole city will literally be alive with music at every corner, with something to please everyone, regardless of their tastes.”
For the full schedule of performances and businesses taking part please visit www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/make-music-day/