Whether it be new stores to explore, delicious menus to try or unmissable things to do in Sunderland with the family, we’ve rounded up 10 things we’re looking forward to in Sunderland this May…
SUNDERLAND’S WORLD-CLASS MUSEUMS REOPEN…
Our friends over at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, National Glass Centre, Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art and Arts Centre Washington are re-opening their venues – and they’re packed full of good stuff for families to enjoy throughout the back end of summer, autumn and beyond!
Yep, you heard right, wandering through stunning galleries and exploring Sunderland’s many museums is in sight again, and we can’t wait to get inside, safely sauntering through our favourite venues.
Highlights include Paint the Town in Sound; a vibrant exhibition that explores the timeless relationship between art and music from Sunderland’s very own Mercury Prize nominated band, Field Music.
We’re also keeping close tabs on Sir Antony Gormley’s award-winning exhibition that’s heading to Sunderland this summer too. Field for the British Isles by Sir Antony Gormley, creator of the Angel of the North, will be on display at Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) at National Glass Centre from July until September this year.
SUNSHINE SAUNTERS AT STACK SEABURN!
The beloved container community over by the seaside has been a breath of fresh air since opening last year, and we’re delighted to see that this cool hangout is back in business this summer.
Brimming with loads of independent brands and home to some of our favourite local traders, STACK is the place to visit if you’re after delicious bait, cold drinks and chilled vibes by the coast.
Whether it be authentic street-food tacos from Chapos Tacos, delightful Greek cuisine from Acropolis or juicy burgers from the Boojie Burger lot, there’s something to cater for all members of your party.
Make sure you book in advance and arrive hungry and thirsty!
facebook.com/StackSeaburn
TIME TO WINE AND DINE INDOORS…
Image: 808 Bar & Kitchen
Oh, how we’ve missed those special evenings that consisted of getting dressed up, deliberately choosing a small lunch at work and fixating on a menu all day!
As lockdown restrictions begin to ease once again from May 17th onwards, we’re booking with all our favourite restaurants and the new venues across the city to finally enjoy an evening of smart attire, delicious drinks and outstanding bait.
It’s time to reunite with your favourite restaurant Sunderland…
LAMPLIGHT FESTIVAL EDGES CLOSER!
It won’t be long until the streets are alive with the sound of music!
Sunderland will be welcoming its first ever Lamplight Festival to Mowbray Park next summer and this music festival will be welcoming a range of world-class artists to the city centre this summer.
Organised by Sunderland City Council, Lamplight Festival will play host to UK indie-rock giants Kaiser Chiefs on Saturday 7 August with Sunderland’s very own Frankie & The Heartstrings confirmed as one of the headline acts.
Sunday 8 August sees Glaswegian pop rock band Deacon Blue headline the main stage with K T Tunstall, Roddy Woomble and Tide Lines rounding up the festival.
We can imagine it now; a cold pint in hand, sun shining and cool tunes blasting out over a sea of happy faces – get in!
For ticketing and further information, follow the link below:
lamplightfestival.co.uk
A TRIP BACK TO EMPIRE CINEMA!
We’ve been counting down the days until we can hunker down in the plush red seats once again, and with new releases coming our way, we’re confident we’ll be back come May!
Cinemas and picture-houses across the UK have been closed for the majority of the pandemic, but following the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, there’s a glimmer of hope for those craving to see the latest blockbuster on the big screen again.
There’s nothing like a trip out to the flicks and with James Bond, Venom 2 and A Quiet Place II all expected at some point this year, you can bet we’ll be front and centre at Empire Cinema Sunderland on Lambton Street once we’re given the green light.
facebook.com/empirecinemassunderland
CRICKET SEASON IN SUNDERLAND…
There’s nothing quite like sinking a few cold ones with loved ones in a clubhouse brimming with character as one of our city’s recreational cricket teams put on an exhilarating show of Sunday league cricket.
Whether it be watching Sunderland Cricket Club (one of the UK’s oldest clubs) situated in the quaint area of Ashbrooke, or heading further inland to watch Silksworth CC or Hylton CCC battle it out in the senior league, cricket season in Sunderland never fails to bowl us over.
Just be sure to check out the fixture list and the club’s social media accounts are still going ahead – you know how British weather can quickly change!
SUNDERLAND IN BLOOM…
You may have seen our lush parks, streets and various green spaces across the city looking splendid this weekend and for good reason too.
It’s because Sunderland, UK is going for gold at this year’s Northumbria In Bloom awards!
Sunderland will once again be taking part in Northumbria In Bloom, where judges will assess the city centre on horticultural achievement as well as community participation and the overall environment.
Work is also underway on new flowerbeds being created for summer bedding across Sunderland and at the main gateways into the city.
Last year the awards went to Barnes Park, Hetton Lyons Country Park, Roker Park, Mowbray Park and Herrington Country Park.
In previous years, Sunderland has won Best City and its groups and volunteers are regularly awarded or receive commendations.
We can’t wait to see what the judges make of our blooming green spaces this year!
NEW RESTAURANT: ‘UNDISCLOSED’ OPENS FOR THE FIRST TIME!
Food, glorious food! Time to stick those supermarket ready meals in the bin and look forward to some seriously good grub Sunderland.
People of Sunderland and the North East will soon be able to experience Undisclosed, a new gastronomic, upscale dining experience at St. John Street in Sunniside this summer.
D’Acqua has been taken over by the owner of Emily’s Table to reopen the restaurant as a gastronomic dining experience.
Christopher Spence, owner of Emily’s Table in Sunderland, has taken over restaurant D’Acqua and we’re extremely excited to try his brand new dining experience in the city on May 17.
The sparkling new renovation has cost around £10,000, and Christopher is already sorted out his team for when the restaurant opens in May.
IAN PROWSE LIVE AT THE PEACOCK!
Live music is making a return to the city this summer and the team at The Peacock have a stormer of a gig ready and waiting in the wings for us all this May.
Sunderland will be welcoming singer-songwriter Ian Prowse to the city on Friday 21 May.
A beloved musician hailing from Merseyside, Ian Prowse has 8 albums of acclaimed songwriting under his belt, as well as 30 years of experiences at the centre of rock & roll music.
On the RaconTour, Ian will present an evening of passionately skilled songwriting and fantastic stories stretching from his early days with Polydor signed act Pele through the highs and lows of Amsterdam to today’s position as a highly respected wordsmith.
Tears, fun, rabble rousing and a damn good sing song, all in one night. Not one to miss Sunderland!
NEW STORE: SAY HELLO TO THE GEEK RETREAT!
There’s a brand new store for you all to check out on John Street in the city centre this May!
Arriving into the city with an inherent passion for all things geeky, we’re giving a warm Mackem welcome to The Geek Retreat gang – they’re the spot to shop if you’re keen on gaming, superhero movies and sci-fi memorabilia.
Boasting an impressive collection of comics, trading card games, board games, video games, toys, American candy, milkshakes and all things geek, Greek Retreat goes one step beyond your traditional store by holding regular gaming and special events with fanatics across the region – talk about connecting the community!
facebook.com/GeekRetreatSunderland
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