Sunderland is set to come alive with dance, food, music and creativity as Unity in the Community Weekender takes place in the city on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th October.
After the huge success of last year’s one-day Unity in the Community event in October 2024, organisers are bringing it back even bigger and better for 2025 – expanding into a full weekend of festivities.
The two-day celebration, organised by VCAS, Sunderland Minster and Sunderland Music City, will showcase the rich diversity of cultures and communities that call Sunderland home. It’ll be a packed programme of live music, dance performances, arts and crafts, and food for people of all ages to enjoy.
Speaking about the event, organiser and Canon Provost of Sunderland Minster Revd Canon Clare MacLaren has said “Unity in Community is about exactly that! An opportunity for the wonderfully diverse communities of our city to come together and celebrate our creativity, our cultures and the variety of people who make Sunderland such a great place to be! It’s wonderful to be partnering with Sunderland Music City this year for what’s going to be a fabulous Weekender event!”
A key theme of the Weekender is the role of music as a powerful force in uniting communities. Music transcends language, culture and background; providing a shared experience that brings people together in celebration.
This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is embedded in the vision and work of Sunderland Music City, as key pillars of the city’s music strategy.
“We are really proud to be working with Sunderland Minster and voluntary sector partners on this,” Michelle Daurat, Chief Executive of Sunderland Music City has said, “Unity in the Community Weekender is about celebrating Sunderland’s people, stories and cultures and creating a festival space where everyone feels welcome and represented.”
On Saturday 18th October, the historic Sunderland Minster will host an afternoon of craft activities, music and food in a unique and atmospheric setting.
The celebrations continue on Sunday 19th October at the Beacon of Light, where everyone can enjoy a vibrant day of live music, entertainment, and family under one roof.
Both events are completely free to attend, ensuring that everyone can be part of the festivities.
While entry is free on both days, those who reserve a ticket for Sunday will receive priority entry to guarantee their place at the Beacon of Light.
The Unity in the Community Weekender promises to be one of the highlights of Sunderland’s cultural calendar this autumn – a weekend not to be missed.
Event details:
- Saturday 18th October – Sunderland Minster 11 – 3
- Sunday 19th October – Beacon of Light 12-5
- Free entry (priority entry available Sunday with reserved ticket): click to book
The event is a part of the Sunderland Year of Music, with more than 500 events planned, this year of festivities builds on Sunderland’s official designation as a global Music City. This internationally recognised status was achieved in January 2025, celebrating years of grassroots development and cultural success and ambition.
The formal recognition by the Music Cities Network places Sunderland among a global powerhouse of cities like Berlin, Manchester and Sydney, committed to harnessing music as a tool for social and economic transformation, and marks a bold new chapter in the city’s creative future.
Sunderland Year of Music events are being announced daily; to see the most up-to-date list visit https://musiccity.uk/year-of-music.
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
