Embrace and Ocean Colour Scene to headline Sunderland fesitval

Indie rock band Embrace and Britpop favourites Ocean Colour Scene will take centre stage at Sunderland’s Cliffe Park Live in Seaburn on Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, as part of the city’s One Big Summer programme.

The events are part of a broader season of entertainment organised by Sunderland City Council, with Embrace headlining on Friday as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations.

Embrace have been described as ‘one of the country’s most powerful and emotional live bands’ (Image: Sunderland City Council)

Peter McIntyre, executive director of economy and place at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding One Big Summer to the seafront, with Embrace and Ocean Colour Scene at Cliffe Park joining the exciting programme already lined up for Keel Square over the summer.

“Building on our reputation as an events city, and offering everything from Britpop and dance to country and western and K‑POP, One Big Summer has something for everyone in Sunderland this summer.”

Embrace, who have sold more than two million records and secured three UK number one albums, are known for hits such as Gravity, All You Good Good People, and Come Back To What You Know.

OCS remain one of the most successful – and most loved bands of the modern era (Image: Sunderland City Council)

Ocean Colour Scene will headline the following night, marking 30 years since the release of their iconic album Moseley Shoals.

The band rose to fame during the Britpop era with nine consecutive top 20 singles, including The Riverboat Song.

Cliffe Park Live adds to an already packed One Big Summer line-up, with two weekends of events planned for Keel Square in August.

Other highlights include DJ legend Armand Van Helden, The Bootleg Beatles, Road to Nashville, and tribute nights celebrating George Michael and the 90s.

Music fans can also look forward to GirlyPop, Family Festival featuring K-POP Live, and more across the city centre.

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The season begins in May with a community-focused programme alongside BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend at Herrington Country Park.

Other confirmed dates include:

• George Michael tribute on Thursday, August 21,
• Love The 90s on Friday, August 22
• GirlyPop on Saturday, August 23
• The Bootleg Beatles on Friday, August 28
• Armand Van Helden on Saturday, August 29
• Road to Nashville on Sunday, August 30
• Family Festival featuring K-POP Live on Monday, August 31.