From 18–20 June 2026, Sunderland will become the first UK city to host the Music Cities Network (MCN) Summer Summit, with a week of wraparound events taking place in venues and spaces across the city.
The Summit will bring together international delegates to explore how music can shape thriving, innovative and connected cities. It also marks the culmination of Sunderland’s Year of Music, a twelve-month celebration of the city’s rich musical heritage and vibrant contemporary scene.
Summit Week Sunderland is the public wraparound programme for the Music Cities Network Summer Summit.
Wednesday 17th June
Royal Northern Sinfonia with Ben Lunn
Arts Centre Washington, 19:30
Dive into the North East’s musical past with an unforgettable classical concert as Ben Lunn and Royal Northern Sinfonia join forces for A Company of Musick at Arts Centre Washington.
Sunderland-born composer and conductor Ben Lunn, presents this special showcase, set to be a love letter to his home city and the region. The concert will feature composers with ties to the North East, shining a light on musicians who were once household names and their influence on music to date:
Charles Avison: born in Newcastle
John Garth: born in Durham
William Herschel: who moved to Sunderland in 1761
Lunn will also be conducting RNS in the debut performance of his original composition ANNA MARRA MISSA.
TICKETS
Friday 19th June
TechNext Creative Hub Free Conference Day
Sheepfold Stables, 10:00 - 17:00
Join us for the Creative Tech Hub at TechNExt26 where we will have inspiring talks, panel sessions and creative demonstrations across a day of exciting activities. The festivities will continue long into the night with our partners Sunderland Music City.
This year we have simplified booking with one ticket for the whole day, but please note for sessions in smaller rooms entry is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Find out more about the sessions that are taking place, and book your tickets below. Some programme sessions may be added or changed in the run up to TechNExt.
FULL PROGRAMME
TICKETS
MCN Live: Sunderland
Independent Sunderland, 19:00
For one night only, six emerging artists from across Europe and Sunderland will share the stage at Independent, bringing together different sounds, scenes and cultures for an international showcase unlike anything we've hosted before.
Three artists from Sunderland will perform alongside three artists travelling from fellow Music Cities Network member cities in Lithuania, Germany and the Netherlands. It's a chance to discover your next favourite band, experience something completely new, and witness the start of creative relationships that could lead to future collaborations, tours and exchanges across the globe.
Representing Sunderland are Patrick Gosling, spacecadetbloom and Prospect of Power – three exciting acts helping shape the city's next generation of music. Joining them are Migluma (Vilnius, Lithuania), Lemony Rug (Hamburg, Germany) and Velocity Made Good(Netherlands), each bringing their own unique sound and perspective to the city.
FREE TICKETS
Saturday 20th June
A to B Early Career Musician's Free Conference Day
Sunderland City Hall, 09:00 - 17:00
Part of Summit Week Sunderland, A to B is delivered by Sunderland Music City in partnership with We Make Culture, Music Connects Sunderland and The Bunker, with support from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
A full day of music industry panels, practical workshops, live music and interactive sessions — all in the heart of Sunderland.
A to B brings together world-class music professionals, practical workshops, live music and honest conversations about building a creative career today. Whether you’re an emerging artist, producer, DJ, student, freelancer or simply passionate about music, there’ll be something for you.
FULL PROGRAMME
TICKETS
An Evening with The Futureheads
The Fire Station, 19:30
The Futureheads return to their home city for a special live event celebrating their remarkable career in music.
Hosted by Sunderland Music City ‘An Evening with The Futureheads’ will take place on Saturday 20 June on the penultimate day of Sunderland Year of Music.
The event also forms part of Summit Week Sunderland, the wraparound programme for the Music Cities Network Summer Summit. Taking place in the UK for the first time, the summit welcomes music leaders from across the globe to Sunderland for a landmark moment in its cultural journey.
The event will offer audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of Sunderland’s most influential bands. It will feature band members Barry Hyde, Ross Millard, David 'Jaff' Craig and Dave Hyde in conversation about their journey from Sunderland’s local music scene to international acclaim.
Audiences can expect candid conversation, behind-the-scenes stories, reflections on the changing music industry, and insights into the band’s enduring connection to Sunderland.
TICKETS
Sunday 21st June
Unity in the Community x Sunderland Music City
Sunderland Minster, 13:30 - 17:30
Part of Summit Week Sunderland, we're hosting another Unity in the Community event at Sunderland Minster, with live music for all the family, between 13:30 and 17:30.
This event is completley free with a stacked live music lineup including Sunderland Symphony Orchestra, Small Town Brass, Lagos to Longbenton, Sacred Sounds CIC and DJ Banko.
TICKETS