ORGANISERS of next summer’s Tall Ships spectacular in Sunderland are celebrating after scooping £149,000 from Arts Council England to deliver an action-packed cultural programme as part of the event.
The Tall Ships visit to the city, which takes place between 11-14 July next year, will be one of the biggest events in the region in 2018, and the Arts Council England funding will support cultural activities and entertainment across all four days of the festival.
Councillor John Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Public health, Wellness and Culture, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded £149,000 by Arts Council England to deliver an entertainment packed programme when Sunderland plays host to the start of The Tall Ships Races 2018 next July. I’d like to thank them for supporting what we hope will be a spectacular event.
“With up to 1.5 million visitors and up to 80 vessels with crews from over 15 countries expected over the four days, the live entertainment and cultural programme is a really important part of the event, giving it an added vibrancy and helping to create a real buzz. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region’s artistic and performing talents to an international audience.”
The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018 Cultural Programme will include a range of cultural events at different sites in the city. These include:
– A stage programme – operating across two stages – one in Keel Square and the other in the East End – with performances throughout the four days of the event
– A major artistic commission which will take place on the riverside on the evening of Friday 13 July
– Walkabout performances and street theatre
– 4 Wearside Emerging commissions to be included in the Hendon Ahoy! section of the programme – providing a mixture of circus, dance, music and street arts.
– schools singing projects
Further details of the programme will be announced over the coming months.