A North East band, that is already gaining national attention, is now set to make its hometown, festival debut.
Picnic, made up of college and university students from across Sunderland, will take to the stage at Sunniside Live on Saturday July 16.
The one-day festival, which is the only one of its kind in Sunderland city centre, will feature a headline performance by The Brand New Heavies, plus special guests Shola Ama and Alison Limerick.
Picnic, who recently had one of their songs feature on ITV show, This Morning, are among a number of North East acts added to the line-up, which also includes Smoove & Turrell, Juggernaut Love Band and DJ Deja Brew.
The seven piece band released their first EP earlier this year and its members, who are all aged between 17 and 20, are now hoping to wow the crowds at Sunniside Live with a unique mix of indie, jazz, funk and pop.
“We are incredibly excited to have our first festival experience on home turf,” said lead singer Robyn Walker, age 17, “and it’s an honour to be sharing the stage with influential acts like The Brand New Heavies and local greats, Smoove and Turrell.
“Sunniside Live is a prime example of what makes the music scene in Sunderland so special, and we hope that we can capture that when we perform there this summer.”
Sunniside Live, which runs from noon until 10pm, is being organised by Helen Davies and Sean Maddison, owners of leisure outlets Bar Justice and Gin & Bear It, with support from Sunderland BID.
As well as live music the festival will also feature a number of food stalls, a pop-up café, licenced bar, retro Pimm’s van and a bottle and spirits stall.
Tickets, priced at £10 each, are available online atwww.sunnisidelive.co.uk or in person at Gin & Bear It, 200 High Street West, Sunderland or Bar Justice, 47 West Sunniside, Sunderland.
More information about the event, supported by BBC Newcastle, can also be found by emailing info@sunnisidelive.co.uk, following @SunnisideLive on Twitter or searching SunnisideLIVE on Facebook.