Halloween ‘Horror Show’ Gig Hits Sunderland
Written by Erin Jardine on 30th October 2025
Sunderland’s own fundraisers, Stockton Road Hit Squad, are back again with a spooktacular Halloween gig.
Prominent Sunderland musicians and bands will be performing at the Independent on October 31. The gig is organised by the Stockton Road Hit Squad, a charity campaign group that supports The Bunker CIC. They have run multiple successful fundraising efforts, such as How The Hit Squad Ruined Christmas and a performance at the Independent’s 18th Birthday Party, both of which raised money for essential funds to fix The Bunker’s roof.
Credit: Erin Jardine
However, this time the Hit Squad are campaigning and raising funds to facilitate counselling and support hours at The Bunker, aiding local and touring musicians. Chris Thompson, the founder of the Stockton Road Hit Squad, said: “This time, we’re fundraising to build a bank of paid therapy hours for local musicians going through times of crisis.
“Musicians go through unique challenges in relation to mental health, and we’re hoping that raising awareness of these experiences will help people understand where it comes from and, more importantly, where to get the right help.
“We’re tributing some classic names from rock and pop music, as well as putting on a Sunderland-themed production of Rocky Horror that tells the story of The Bunker’s roof campaign.”
The lineup consists of some very well-known voices, such as Patrick Gosling paying tribute to Gorillaz, Lottie Willis as Britney Spears and indie rock band Wool as The Smashing Pumpkins. Jenny Dean, Spark’s very own Local Music presenter, is performing again for this fundraiser.
She said: “I’m buzzing for the gig because everyone always comes together for it and has loads of fun, and it’s all for a good cause. I’m continuing my theme from last year of tributing iconic ginger women, and I’m doing the Paramore set with half of the Thieves of Liberty band, which is exciting. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who can to come along and support.”
Tickets cost £10, and can be found at the ticket link here: Hit Squad Halloween Tickets
