Choirs, Orchestras, Community Groups, Brass Bands, Open Mic Nights, and Folk Music Collectives in Sunderland

Find out about the Choirs, Orchestras, Community Groups, Brass Bands, Open Mic Nights, and Folk Music Collectives in Sunderland. If you wish to be added to this list, please email info@musiccity.uk. Please note, inclusion does not equal endorsement.

Act To Grow: 'De A Turn' Open Mic Night at Diego's Joint

Act To Grow and Diego's Joint present 'De A Turn' Open Mic Night.

Web: https://acttogrow.co.uk/

Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/act_to_grow/

Email: acttogrow@outlook.com

Back On The Map Hendon Ukulele Group

A small volunteer led group that meets on a weekly basis in the Carnegie Community Corner (formerly Hendon Library).

Absolute beginners welcome, borrow a Ukulele if you don't have one, and learn to play along with a friendly, enthusiastic and very supportive group. No need to read music. You just need to be willing to practice.

Every Thursday afternoon during school term time from 1.00pm - 3.00pm.

Web: https://backonthemap.org/our-community/

Email: enquiries@backonthemap.org

Bishopwearmouth Choral Society

An amateur choral society based in Sunderland.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bishopwearmouthcs/

Web: https://bishopwearmouth.co.uk/

X: https://x.com/bishopw94535978

Email: bcs@bishopwearmouth.co.uk

Buskers Night at Chaplins

Monday evenings. A free pint for every busker. Everyone is welcome.

7:30pm start, with buskers taking the mic from 8:30pm.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulouslyBritishRealAle

Buskers Night at The Dun Cow with Beccy Young

The Dun Cow's Open Mic night is on every other Tuesday at 7:30pm, hosted by Beccy Young.

Free pint for performers, and there's a guitar on hand, so you don't have to bring anything along with you. Friendly atmosphere, no judgment, in the heart of Sunderland.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duncowsunderland

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_dun_cow

The B# Community Choir

Community choir. Develop your singing ability, perform at community events, and meet like-minded people in a friendly and supportive environment.

Wednesdays, 10am-11:30am. No audition necessary and all levels of experience welcome.

Web: https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/community-choir-the-bs/

Buskers Night at Unique Bar with Hi-Met

Thursdays, from 8pm. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just want to jam, everyone is welcome to the stage. Drum kit, guitar, and microphone available.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunderlandunique

Buskers Night at The Wheatsheaf with Andy Muckles from The Brit Pack

Tuesdays from 7.30pm at The Wheatsheaf.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089565100621

Compass Acapella

Amateur a cappella group singing unique close harmony arrangements. Popular songs to a high standard that entertain audiences. All welcome, experienced or not.

Every Tuesday evening 7:30pm to 10pm at Cleadon C. of E. Academy, Boldon Lane, Cleadon,
Sunderland SR6 7RP

Web: www.compassacapella.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassacappella

Fortissimo Choir

Fortissimo was founded in 2023 by a group of passionate, like-minded people with the aim of growing a fun, inclusive choir to showcase the talent of the members and to raise money for worthy causes.

The choir aims to provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all members. A wide variety of music including modern pieces, musical theatre through to classical pieces and everything in between.

Web: https://fortissimone.wixsite.com/fortissimo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortissimochoirne/

Email: fortissimo.ne@gmail.com

Houghton Area Brass Band

A brass band based in the North East. Currently graded as 1st Section.

Rehearsals Thursdays 7-9pm.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoughtonBrassBand

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houghtonbrass/

X: https://x.com/HoughtonBrass

Email: houghtonbrass@hotmail.com

Hylton Ukes

Hylton Castle Workingmans Club, Thursdays 7pm-9pm. Everyone welcome.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hyltonukes

X: https://x.com/hyltonukes

The Keel Line Singers

A male voice choir always on the lookout for new members.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Keellinesingers/

Email: keellinesingers@gmail.com

Klang at The Ship Isis

Electronic Music Open Mic (EMOM) night. 15/20 min slots throughout the night available to pre-book or walk-ups when space allows.

Pay as you feel. Any donations will be given to The Bunker CIC to help their work supporting local music and music education across the community.

Web: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/od2ssqaf/klang-electronic-music-open-mic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klang_sunderland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KlangSunderland

Email: ben@independent-live.co.uk

Little Pops

Join community musician Ashleigh Lowes for 'Little Pops' music sessions. For children aged 5 and under, and their grown-ups.

The sessions engage children in a range of music activities – singing, dancing, instrument playing. Hosted at Pop Recs. Every session must be booked individually, and separate tickets must be purchased for each child attending

Web: https://sunderlandmusichub.org.uk/project/little-pops/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sunmushub/

Music Makers Ladies Choir

A ladies choir making music since 1977.

Mondays from 7.15 - 9.15pm at St Aiden's Parish Centre.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicmakersladieschoir/

Email: jmason2211@topmail.co.uk

One Voice Community Choir

A Tuesday evening community choir. No audition necessary and all levels of experience welcome. 5:30pm – 7:00pm at Arts Centre, Washington. £4.50.

Develop your singing ability, perform at community events, and meet like-minded people in a friendly and supportive environment.

Web: https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/community-choir-one-voice/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/One-Voice-Community-Choir-Washington/100060108546955/

Opera Sunderland

Opera society for people of all abilities & ages.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OperaSund/

Web: https://operasunderland.co.uk/

X: https://x.com/operasunderland

Email: hello@operasunderland.co.uk

Rock Choir: North East

The UK’s original, award-winning, contemporary choir experience.

No auditions and no experience or musical knowledge needed. Monday evenings, 7.30pm-9pm, Bethany City Church, Bede Tower.

Web: http://rockchoir.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rock.Choir.Rob.Slater/

Email: robslater@rockchoir.com

Ryhope Choir

A community choir run by Artist in Residence Tony Bowler.

Every Thursday at 6pm for 1 hour. St Paul's Church, Ryhope Street North, Ryhope, SR2 0HH

Web: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/13733/service-and-events/events/1076735/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042215380138352/

Singer-Songwriter Night at The Ship Isis with Patrick Gosling

Open-Mic Singer-Songwriter Night in the Vaux Room from 7:30pm, every other Thursday.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShipIsis

Email: shipisissunderland@gmail.com

Small Town Brass / Kleinstadthelden Oompah Band

A small brass ensemble located in the Northeast of England.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Small-Town-Brass-Kleinstadthelden-Oompah-Band-61552345342114/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltownbrass

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@small.town.brass

Email: enquiries@smalltownbrass.com

Songbirds: Sunderland’s Homegrown Choir

A small choir from Sunderland, who perform throughout the City of Sunderland and the north-east.

Available for all kinds of events, from weddings to care homes, to charity events and concerts.

Web: https://sunderlandmusichub.org.uk/project/songbirds-sunderlands-homegrown-choir/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/songbirdschoirsunderland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@songbirds3861

Steel Band Sunderland (The Pantasy Steel Band)

Steel Band Sunderland (The Pantasy Steel Band) play a mix of traditional Caribbean Music and recognisable arrangements of well known songs by artists such as Bob Marley and UB40.

As well as playing at all kinds of events, the band also provide school and other educational workshops from early years, through KS1-4, Universities, and with groups of adults for corporate team building, as well as hen and stag weekends.

Many of the steel band musicians are from the Caribbean and have moved to Sunderland to learn, teach, and play for fun and entertainment.

Web: https://www.steeldrumband.co.uk/sunderland

Email: bookings@steeldrumband.co.uk

Steels Front Row Open Mic Night with Dave Murray aka The Mackem Folk Singer

Open Mic Night at Steels Club hosted by Dave Murray, aka The Mackem Folk Singer.

Thursday evenings, 6.30pm till late. Show starts approximately 8pm. Free entry.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THEMACKEMFOLKSINGER

Stumble Inn Folk and Acoustic Afternoon

A monthly afternoon of folk and acoustic song and music at the Stumble Inn, Sunderland.

Held on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumbleinnfolk/

Strumbles Ukulele Group

Friday between 1pm and 3pm in the upstairs room of The Dun Cow, Sunderland.

Web: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/2016/01/05/strumbles-ukulele-group-sunderland/

Student Jam Session, Sunderland Music Society

A jam sesion for students of The Univeristy of Sunderland.

Every last Thursday of the month, 5pm - 6.30pm at Birdland Studios (above The Peacock)

Web 1: https://www.sunderlandsu.co.uk/groups/music-society-76b8

Web 2: https://www.sunderlandsu.co.uk/groups/music-society-76b8/events/music-society-student-jam-session-at-birdland-studios

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunderlandmusicsociety/

Email: rubykelly10@icloud.com

Sunderland Empire: Community Chorus

Chorus runs on Fridays (term time) 1pm - 3pm at The Sunderland Empire.

Web: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/community-chorus/sunderland-empire/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunderlandempirecreativelearning

Email: SunderlandEducation@theambassadors.com

Sunderland Jubilate Choir

Sunderland Jubilate Choir is a community choir open to singers of all abilities.

Tuesday evenings each week at Grindon Community Project, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Web: https://sites.google.com/site/sunderlandjubilate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunderland.jubilate

X: https://x.com/jubilate20

Email: sunderlandjubilate@gmail.com

Sunderland Male Voice Choir

A community choir upholding the tradition of male voice singing in the North East.

The choir was formed in 1959 and was formerly known as Shiney Row Male Voice Choir. The newly rebranded choir aims to be more inclusive to all communities across the Sunderland region and beyond.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunderlandMVC

Web: https://www.sunderlandmvc.org.uk/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sunderlandmalevoicechoir7016

Email: info@sunderlandmvc.org.uk

Sunderland Singers

A mixed choir founded in 1936.

Wednesday evenings from 7.15pm until 8.45pm at Fulwell Methodist Church, Dovedale Road, Fulwell, Sunderland SR6 8LN. £40 per year.

Web: https://www.sunderlandsingers.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunderlandSingers/

Email: hello@sunderlandsingers.org.uk

Sunderland Symphony Orchestra

An amateur orchestra based in Sunderland with Musical Director David Milner.

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunderland_Symphony_Orchestra

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunderlandsymphonyorchestra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunderlandsymphonyorchestra/

Web: https://www.sunderlandso.org.uk/

X: https://x.com/SSOrchestra1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sunderlandsymphonyorchestr4807

Sunderland Youth Choir

A youth choir for the young people of Sunderland aged between 7 - 16, of all abilities.

Every Monday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, City Hall.

Web: https://sunderlandmusichub.org.uk/project/sunderland-youth-choir/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sunmushub

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SunMusicHub/

X: https://x.com/sunmusichub

Email: laura.taylor@togetherforchildren.org.uk

Sunderland Youth and Community Orchestra

Sunderland Youth and Community Orchestra is a place where young people can come together and experience playing as part of an orchestra, no matter their standard of playing.

Web: https://sunderlandmusichub.org.uk/project/sunderland-youth-and-community-orchestra/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067517837864

Tiny Tweeties

Bringing learning to life through music for children, teachers and parents.

Web: https://tinytweeties.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinytweeties/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinytweeties/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tinytweeties

Email: info@tinytweeties.co.uk

Trinity Folk Club

Hosted by Ken Tonge, Trinity Folk Club is for folk music lovers, singers, and musicians from across the region.

Every second Thursday of the month at 17Nineteen, Sunderland.