Festival aims to ‘put Sunderland on UK cultural map’
Written by Amelia Anderson on 27th September 2025
The Stages festival kicks off this weekend in Sunderland, featuring electronic music, visual art and immersive experiences.
Stages on the Square – the main event at Keel Square – begins on Saturday 27 September and includes a 360-degree revolving stage, digital installations and live performances from DJs Billy Gillies and Basshunter, and many more artists.
Stages at the Venues continues the event with a collection of different music events at a variety of places, including recording and rehearsal studios The Bunker and music venue Independent.
On Saturday, three house promoters – HAZE, WARD10 and KINETIC – are taking over a secret location that will be revealed on the day of the event.0
The organisers have said that the event celebrates Sunderland’s creative transformation and will put the city firmly on the UK’s cultural map, and with underground parties, a hands-on taster session with electronic instruments and an open mic event, organisers promise something for every music lover.
The festival runs from Friday 26th September to Saturday 4th October and there are still tickets left for events, with prices ranging from free up to £25, with a variety of family tickets available.
