A brand- new live event is about to hit the music scene in Sunderland this summer as the first ever Lamplight Festival prepares to take to the stage on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August.
Based in the city centre’s Mowbray Park, the all-new family-friendly affair, will see its headlining stage welcome big-name acts from a range of different musical genres.
Event Organisers Sunderland City Council are thrilled to announce UK indie giants Kaiser Chiefs as Saturday’s headliners with Sunderland's very own Frankie and the Heartstrings confirmed as special guests.
Kaiser Chiefs need little introduction. Led by their charismatic frontman Ricky Wilson, they have gone on to be one of the UK's most prolific guitar bands since forming in Leeds at the turn of the century. The band are custom-made for the festival experience and are set to belt out their anthemic indie hits which include ‘Oh My God’, ‘I Predict A Riot’, ‘Everyday I Love You Less And Less’, ‘Ruby’ and ‘Never Miss A Beat’.
Speaking about the band's forthcoming appearance at Lamplight Festival, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, said:
“It’s always great to be part of a new festival and we can’t wait to once again play alongside Frankie and the Heartstrings as well as other great acts to headline the Saturday stage in Sunderland.”
Glasgow Rock-Pop legends Deacon Blue are set to headline the Sunday stage promising to perform a range of hits from their illustrious back catalogue. With a career boasting 7 million album sales, two number one albums and 14 hit singles, the band are best known for hits such as ‘Real Gone Kid’ and ‘Dignity’ and they will make a welcome addition to the Lamplight Festival launch line-up. Their new album, ‘City of Love’ is set for release next month.
Other artists on the bill for Sunday include the much-loved UK singer-songwriter KT Tunstall and Roddy Woomble, the frontman and chief songsmith of famous Scottish rock outfit, Idlewild. More venues, artists and activities are still to be announced
Dave Harper, member of Frankie and the Heartstrings, and manager of Sunderland’s music hub Pop Recs, which will be heavily involved in fringe activities around Lamplight festival continues:
“Playing Lamplight Festival is exciting for FATHs and Pop Recs as it represents another flag in the sand. Something we are never supposed to do, yet here we are. But that’s the Sunderland way.
“You tell us we can’t have a cake and we’ll build a bakery. Sunderland has been through a testing time and may well have to deal with further adversity but now, more than ever, we need entertainment and a reason to celebrate our heritage, our diversity and our resilience.
“With Pop Recs involved in developing a huge new project on the High Street and FATHS playing this amazing festival in the heart of our city we feel like we can start to colour the city again. Sunderland deserves to be happy.”
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 14 February and are £39.50 for Saturday and £35.00 for Sunday + booking fee. Under 5s are free, children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Published on 15 February 2020 by Ben Robinson
