
Michael Jackson tribute show with Ben Bowman and a live band playing the King of Pop's greatest hits at the Sunderland Empire.

Community choir for people aged 50 and over that rehearses on Fridays at the Sunderland Empire.

Ballet and contemporary dance classes for adults over 50 at the Sunderland Empire, with no previous experience needed.

Birmingham Royal Ballet's 'The Maiden of Venice', choreographed by Carlos Acosta after 'La Bayadère', with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia playing the score live.

Rob Lamberti recreates the voice of George Michael in a tribute show covering his career from Wham! to his solo hits.

Tour stop of the Disney princess musical show, with songs from more than 29 Disney films, at the Sunderland Empire.

The Lake Poets play The Fire Station for the venue's fifth-anniversary celebrations in a double bill with The Fire Doors.

Live concert by The Felice Brothers, a five-piece American folk-Americana-rock band, at The Fire Station.

A cappella folk group The Young'Uns play Christmas songs, old and new, in three-part harmony at The Fire Station.

Annual 1km indoor festive family fun run around The Bridges Shopping Centre, with all entries going to the Red Sky Foundation.

Free monthly market of local artists, makers and food producers held at Sunderland Train Station on the second Saturday of every month.

Weekly Friday pop-up market with around 30 local traders, live music from buskers and live painting by local artists at Sunderland Train Station.

Over-18s daytime disco with ABBA anthems, disco and 70s classics in an ABBA-inspired atmosphere of shimmering lights and tinsel wigs.

Touring production of the musical Hairspray, with Neil Hurst as Edna Turnblad and Katie Brace as Tracy, at the Sunderland Empire.

Touring production of the West End musical Sister Act, with music by Alan Menken, starring Zoe Birkett and Craig Revel Horwood.

UK tour stop of the West End rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar', with Sam Ryder as Jesus at the Sunderland Empire.

The smash-hit musical Mamma Mia! comes to the Sunderland Empire on its UK & International Tour, with the songs of ABBA.

World tour production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's steam-powered musical about a steam train and his friends.

World stage premiere of the thriller adaptation of Thomas Harris's novel, with John Partridge as Hannibal Lecter and Mollie Gallagher as Clarice Starling.

Olivier-nominated musical that stages the night of the 1985 Live Aid concert, with a percentage of ticket sales going to The Band Aid Charitable Trust.

The original Tony-winning jukebox musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons returns for its 20th Anniversary Tour at Sunderland Empire.

One-night-only dance show by Johannes Radebe, star of Strictly Come Dancing and Kinky Boots, bringing his 'Finally Home' tour to the Sunderland Empire.

National tour of Simon Beaufoy's play, a fast and funny show about a group of unemployed men who form a dance troupe, marking the film's 30th anniversary.

Sir David Jason shares behind-the-scenes tales, anecdotes and rarely seen clips from the classics he starred in, in conversation with Mike Bushell.

Jimmy Carr returns with his dark, fast one-liner stand-up show 'Killing Jokes!' at the Sunderland Empire.

First UK tour of the Olivier Award-winning stage musical based on the 1985 film, starring Axel Duffy as Marty McFly.

The Olivier Award-winning musical about the secret 1943 mission that helped win World War II, on its World Tour at Sunderland Empire.

UK tour stop of the Whitney Houston tribute show that recreates her most memorable songs and stage looks.

Play 'Every Bunny Welcome' by Kathleen Davis Stage School at the Sunderland Empire.

Family Christmas pantomime of The Little Mermaid, written by Tom Whalley and presented by Dynamique Arts.

Relaxed Wednesday evening of games, Bible study, worship and conversation open to anyone new to faith or looking for community.

A 45-minute Christmas theatre show for under-7s, with relaxed performances and a meet-and-greet with the characters.

Free sensory session for children aged 0-4 and their grown-ups to experience the Rhyme & Shine show through songs, stories and music in the 360 Immersion Gallery.

Free lunchtime guided tour of Audrey Amiss's solo show 'Kitchen Sink Realism' at the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art.

Singer-songwriter Callum O'Neil plays the Arts Centre Washington with support from Kayden Turner and Daniel Maple, as part of the venue's Christmas programme.

A festive screening of The Muppets Christmas Carol at the Arts Centre Washington.

Free weekly review sessions to watch, discuss and review short films before the 2027 Sunderland Shorts Film Festival.

The Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company brings Steve Gilroy's play about a learning-disabled protagonist to Arts Centre Washington.

Free installation by Clive Davis that uses photographs and red squares to explore space, time, identity and signs and symbols.

World Fighting League K-1 fight night with the main event of Jamie Bates vs Brice Kombou for the vacant WFL undisputed welterweight world title.

Weekly writing sessions for mothers and anyone who identifies with motherhood to process the transition into motherhood through writing and community.

A festive evening of live music from North East Music Opportunities, with jazz, blues, soul and funk.

Live Christmas broadcast of festive and West End/Broadway musical numbers by Arts North Studios Weekend Academy students.

Free computer skills course for over-16s to learn, experiment and create with digital tools.

Festive showcase by young performers from Stagecoach Performing Arts schools with dance, musical theatre and seasonal songs.

Weekly social evening of board games and free Domino's pizza for University of Sunderland students at Your SU @ Riverside.

Evening of gentle Qigong movement, breathwork, meditation and immersive gong sound, inspired by the phases of the Moon and hosted by practitioner Shaney Barton.

Fortnightly free session for young people aged 11 to 19 to develop their artistic practice with guest artists at Arts Centre Washington.

Right Track is a music project offering young people the opportunity to learn instruments, write songs, and perform in a supportive environment.

Workshop led by Lucy from Willow & Wreath to make a Christmas wreath from scratch with seasonal foliage, decorations and ribbons.

Interactive spoken-word event in which investigative journalist Mark Williams-Thomas guides the audience as a jury to cast its own verdict on the White House Farm murders.

Free post-match discussion with North East Premier League reporter Andy Sixsmith after the Spurs game, held at The Fire Station.

Free screening of the Europa League match Sunderland versus Levski Sofia on The Fire Station's big screens.
Open forum with the University of Sunderland student officers, with pizza and drinks, in person at Riverside and live-streamed.
Free wedding expo with more than 50 Asian wedding suppliers and a luxury bridal runway showcase by fashion specialists Alankar and Tushita Roy.

Seventh edition of the Open Arms Awards, run by Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland, to honour individuals, volunteers and organisations that make a difference in the city.

Weekly adult dance fitness class for over-18s at Sunderland Empire, with no prior experience needed.

Audio-visual collage of archive film, photographs and audio from the North East, replaying every hour on the hour across 36 screens in Culture House Sunderland.

A fortnightly animation club held at Arts Centre Washington for those interested in creating their own animations.

Christmas market with local makers, independent businesses and artisan producers across City Hall, The Beam and Maker Building at Riverside Sunderland.

Black-tie gala of Ultra White Collar Boxing, a beginner-friendly boxing night where participants train for eight weeks and raise money for charity.

Black-tie MMA night from Ultra MMA at The Point, with eight weeks of free training at a local gym and a suggested £50 charity raise.

Christmas showcase by the Arts North Studios Academy held at The Fire Station in Sunderland.

A live stage show celebrating the music of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, with hits like 'Jolene' and 'Islands in the Stream'.

Nearly Dan, a tribute to Steely Dan, plays a two-hour set of Steely Dan classics and deep cuts at The Fire Station.

Annual screening of 'The Snowman' scored live by the award-winning EverReady Band, with three sessions across the day.

Family singalong with Santa and his elves in a heated marquee at The Fire Station.

The Futureheads play a Christmas family matinee of festive favourites at The Fire Station in Sunderland.

Louise Redknapp plays The Fire Station in Sunderland with her Naked // Confessions Tour, celebrating 30 years of her debut album Naked.

The Transatlantic Ensemble plays Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' in its entirety, plus other classics, at The Fire Station.

High-energy live tribute show to the global pop group Katzeye with choreography, vocals and audience interaction.

Free screening of the Europa League match between Sunderland and Jagiellonia Bialystok on a big screen at The Fire Station.

American tribute show by the vocal group Soul Satisfaction celebrating the music of The Four Tops and other Motown legends.

Tribute show to Coldplay with LED wristbands and live performances of the band's greatest hits at The Fire Station.

Professional wrestling show by All Star Wrestling closing its 2026 UK tour at The Fire Station.

Live music night headlined by The Real Thing with support from Richie Sampson at The Fire Station.

Talking Heads tribute from Bristol recreating the band's hits from 'Stop Making Sense', 'Fear of Music' and 'Remain in Light'.

New Year's Eve dance party with live sets from Re:Rewind and Daft Punkz, dancing into 2027.

Dire Straits tribute show fronted by guitarist Aled Williams at The Fire Station.

Paul Edis and a nine-piece band play new big-band arrangements of festive favourites, with Jo Harrop on vocals, on the A Jazzy Christmas tour.

All-star theatre rock show by Legacy Concert Company playing Meat Loaf's greatest hits, marking 50 years of 'Bat Out Of Hell'.

Irish folk show by Seven Drunken Nights, a tribute to The Dubliners, with classics like 'Whiskey in the Jar'.

Solo stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' by Dyad Productions, with one actor playing every character.

A free, hands-on day for young people to learn about TV and film production from local industry professionals, with practical masterclasses.