Sunniside Nights returns on Friday 29 May (from 6pm) – a one-night takeover of live music, art, and performance across the city.

We’re hosting something special at Pop Recs…  

Richard Dawson + Jasmine Padgett Family Band  

Richard brings his singular take on experimental folk to Sunderland – raw, intricate guitar work and unflinching storytelling. Fresh from touring The End of the Middle and curating his mini-festival at the Barbican, this is set to be a standout show.  

Please note: this is an early show and tickets are now sold out.  

Outside in our courtyard, street artist Frank Styles will be painting a mural live across the evening – make sure you catch him while he’s at work.  

And when the gig finishes, the night doesn’t stop there. Just around the corner at 31 Norfolk Street, Boundaries present Feral Yon + Yotuns live, picking things back up with two experimental live sets – perfect if you want to keep going – no tickets required here.  

Pop Recs will come alive again from 10pm, when local DJ legends Cool for Cats will be stepping things up with the best vinyl-only disco in town seeing us through til the early hours. Again, you don’t need a ticket, just call in.  

Across Sunniside, there’s loads happening:  

Worldwide FM’s Santa Leticia spins globally minded jazz, funk and disco at Wild Fire City.  

Scott Turnbull brings his surreal, lo-fi live show Surreally Good to Diego’s. Tickets still available here.

Andy Martin premieres Tins of Town at Tribeca – handmade photographs using a 19th-century process.  

Breeze Creatives take over Abject Gallery with two exhibitions, including the cult Worst Record Covers.  

Sarah Hayes leads an open folk session at The Bridge Hotel Vaults (bring an instrument and join in).  

Plus spoken word, Shakespeare remixes, experimental electronics, emerging local bands, a one-night-only food pop-up from Ryan McVay fresh off his stint on Great British Menu, and plenty more.  

You can also get hands-on with screenprinting, ceramics, and drop-in workshops across the night.  

All events are free. Most are just turn up – a small number require free tickets.  

Full listings + tickets: sunnisidenights.com  

Come for one thing, stay for everything.