Big names and grassroots talent for Summer Streets
Martin McAloon, The Lindisfarne Story Band, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Ruth Lyon among names heading to Cliffe Park, Sunderland
Summer Streets Festival has unveiled its 2026 line-up, bringing another packed weekend of music, arts and community celebration to Sunderland’s seafront.
The free grassroots festival will return to Cliffe Park, Roker on July 4 and 5 with a programme mixing established regional names, emerging artists and community performers across multiple stages.
Among the headline acts announced for the Main Stage across the weekend are Martin McAloon of Prefab Sprout, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Teresa Watson Band, The Lindisfarne Story Band and Jamagotchi.
The BBC Introducing North East Stage will showcase rising regional talent including Ruth Lyon, Champ, Tariro, Jenny Dean and Claudia, while a second stage will feature acts including Pit Pony, Slalom D, Ceitidh Mac and The Bonnersfield Blues Boom.
Community and youth performers are also central to the programme, with appearances from Young Musicians Project, Houghton Brass, Inspire Stage School and Dear Sunderland performance participants.
Established in 2014, Summer Streets has become one of Sunderland’s best-loved independent cultural events, attracting audiences with its mix of live music, outdoor arts, spoken word, workshops and family activities.
Organisers - including Futurehead founder, Ross Millard - say the festival has always been rooted in celebrating Sunderland’s creativity and identity while creating opportunities for local artists and young people.
Over the years, Summer Streets has hosted musicians, comedians, workshop practitioners and performers from around the world while maintaining a strong focus on grassroots culture and accessibility.
The festival remains free to attend and is built around a community-led ethos, supported by volunteers, artists, audiences and local organisations.
The announcement comes as Sunderland continues a huge summer for live music and cultural events following the return of Radio 1’s Big Weekend to the city for the first time since 2005.