Some of the biggest pioneers in British music are preparing to perform in Sunderland next month.
The Brand New Heavies, who led the acid jazz movement in the 1980s, will be joined by special guests Shola Ama and Alison Limerick for Sunderland city centre’s only live music festival, Sunniside Live, on Saturday July 16.
“I love performing,” said MOBO and Brit award-winner Shola, “I’m grateful to still have the opportunity to do what I love after all these years and can’t wait to come to Sunderland and take to the stage for Sunniside Live.”
They will be joined for the open air concert by a host of top, and emerging, North East talent, including Picnic, the Juggernaut Love Band, DJ Deja Brew and Smoove and Turrell.
“I’m very much looking forward to returning to my hometown of Sunderland and performing at Sunniside Live,” said Smoove.
Sunniside Live, which is expanding capacity to cope with demand for 2016, is being organised by Helen Davies and Sean Maddison who run both Bar Justice and the newly opened Gin & Bear it Bar at West Sunniside.
Along with live music the event will also feature food stalls, a pop-up café by The Place Café, a licenced bar run by Bar Justice and Gin & Bear It, a retro Pimm’s van and a bottle and spirits stall, all open from noon until 10pm.
“Sunniside Live promises to be an amazing day out for music fans of all ages,” said Helen. “Not only does it give people the chance to see some of the best established and emerging acts in British music but there will be plenty of food and drink on offer to keep them fuelled too.”
Tickets for Sunniside Live, supported by Sunderland BID, are priced at £10 per person and available from www.sunnisidelive.co.uk or in person at Gin & Bear It, 200 High Street West, Sunderland or Bar Justice, 47 West Sunniside, Sunderland.
More information can also be found by emailing info@sunnisdelive.co.uk or by searching sunnisidelive on Facebook or Twitter.