Stages is coming: Music. Art. Tech. All over Sunderland.

Stages, running from Saturday 26 September to Saturday 1 November, will turn the city into a vibrant hub of sound, light and innovation. The festival is a landmark moment in Sunderland's cultural and economic regeneration, celebrating how music, creativity and technology are shaping the city's future - and putting Sunderland firmly on the map as a destination for cultural tourism.

At the heart of the festival is a spectacular headline show at Keel Square, the centrepiece of Sunderland's ambitious Riverside regeneration, where a line-up of renowned DJs, emerging local talent and digital artists will perform live. The show will feature a 360° stage, immersive visuals on the 20-metre semi-transparent screen at the Expo Sunderland Pavilion - one of the most advanced digital installations in the UK.

The lineup includes BILLY GILLIES, BASSHUNTER, N-TRANCE, ULTRABEAT, LOVE INC, KLUBFILLER, IAN VAN DAHL, MDDLTTN, JAY STONE plus more to be announced.

Beyond Keel Square, venues across Sunderland city centre will also come alive with a diverse programme of gigs, exhibitions and events - spanning everything from underground electronic sets to experimental audiovisual performances. Whether you're into underground club nights, techno beats, or cutting-edge digital art, there's something for everyone giving music fans of all tastes something to enjoy. Full line-up details will be announced soon.

Alongside the live On the Square performance, Stages will feature a packed programme of secret gigs, online streaming events, workshops, seminars and industry-led panel discussions exploring the future of music, digital creativity and smart city innovation.

As one of the UK'S leading smart cities Sunderland is pioneering the use of next- generation digital infrastructure, Stages will showcase how this technology is being used to enhance cultural experiences, support creative industries and power a more connected, inclusive city.

"Stages is more than just a music festival," said Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council.

Cllr Jones added: "Stages is about showing how our city is growing, changing, and leading the way in creativity and technology. I'd like to invite all our residents to get involved and come support this new event."

Ultrabeat, part of the Keel Square line-up, said: "It's brilliant to see a city like Sunderland putting music at the heart of its future. I can't wait to perform at Stages' On The Square - it's going to be something really special."

Local DJ & Producer Nath Brown of Translate Records added: "As someone who has lived in Sunderland for all of my life, it's amazing to see such change happening around the city. There are going to be so many opportunities for artists in the music industry that I wish I had when I was younger. It's a really interesting time to work in a creative industry in the city."

The economic benefits are expected to be significant, with visitors from across the UK boosting local businesses, hospitality and tourism.

Tickets start from £20 and are available from 10am today (Friday 18 July). For booking details, full lineup announcements and the latest updates, visit https://www.stages-festival.co.uk.

This project has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and North East Combined Authority.

For more information, please visit the website https://www.stages-festival.co.uk/, or follow Stages Festival at https://www.facebook.com/stagessunderland/ and https://www.instagram.com/stagessunderland.