Adele Sandé and Franz Ferdinand to launch Sunderland’s Year of Music
Sunderland’s Year of Music 2025-2026 will launch next month with headline performances from two major artists with strong local ties.
Sunderland-born Adele Sandé – known formerly as Emeli Sandé – will return to her roots to open the celebrations with a special performance at The Fire Station on Saturday, June 21.
It will be the first time the chart-topping singer will perform under her real name, marking a new chapter in her career as well as the city’s cultural journey.
“This will be a showcase of new material, music in the works, improvisations and new imaginations of songs that may be familiar,” said Sandé. “A show embracing full artistic freedom and authenticity which I hope will take us all on a journey and open up the Sunderland Year of Music with love.”
Kicking off a week of festivities under the banner Welcome to Sunderland Music City, the gig will be one of many events across the city on that day, including free, ticketed, and “pay what you feel” performances in over a dozen venues.
Independent, The Fire Station, Live Lounge, Pop Recs, The Peacock, The Dun Cow, The Engine Room, The Saltgrass, The King’s Arms, Mexico 70, Gatsby and Washington Holy Trinity Church will all host music events.
Designated Sunderland Music City busker locations will also be established across the city too, making sure there will be music everywhere.
A few days after this tuneful feast, indie rock legends Franz Ferdinand will take to the stage at The Fire Station on Wednesday, June 25 – their first Sunderland performance in over a decade.
Frontman Alex Kapranos, who spent part of his childhood in the city, adds a personal connection to what’s sure to be a memorable show ahead of their Glastonbury appearance.
Both events mark the start of a packed year of live music, as Sunderland celebrates its new status as an official Music City, joining the international Music Cities Network.
More than 500 events are planned from June 2025 to June 2026, spotlighting the city’s vibrant music scene.
Tickets for Adele Sandé and Franz Ferdinand go on general sale tomorrow (Friday, May 16) at 10am via thefirestation.org.uk
A full programme for June 21, including a clash-finder, will be released soon at musiccity.uk.