4th - 5th July
Expect a programme of free live music, arts, workshops and community activity, that will deliver a weekend of entertainment for people of all ages and interests.
Now in its 12th year, the festival has grown into one of Sunderland's most recognisable grassroots cultural events, bringing nationally recognised artists, emerging regional talent, outdoor arts, workshops and participatory activity together in one open, accessible public space. It has been described as the 'UK's most beautiful festival' thanks to its scenic position on Sunderland's seafront.
Performers confirmed for the event this year are Martin McAloon, of Prefab Sprout; The Lindisfarne Story Band featuring Billy Mitchell and Ray Laidlaw; Royal Northern Sinfonia; Demob Happy headline the BBC Introducing North East stage; Jamagotchi, a Sunderland-based supergroup doing classic 1990's hits; BBC 6Music regulars Pit Pony; Cortney Dixon who performed at SXSW in Austin, Texas this year and The Bonnersfield Blues Boom - a new group featuring Peter and David Brewis from Field Music.
Organised by The Futureheads' Ross Millard, the event brings three music stages, programmed across the weekend with live music, as well as a number of tents and tipis scattered across Cliffe Park, where the wider programme includes workshops, crafts, participation activity, youth performance opportunities and community-led activity throughout the weekend. Main stage hosts for 2026 are former BBC anchor Jeff Brown on Saturday, and Frankie Francis - frontman of Frankie & The Heartstrings - on Sunday.
Summer Streets is not simply presenting artists to audiences. It is actively creating opportunities for young people to perform, build confidence, access creative pathways and feel ownership over cultural activity in the city.
Summer Streets is un-ticketed, offering an open access, family-friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy. It is a wheelchair accessible site and there are excellent public transport links making it easy for people to get to.