Featured Events in Sunderland in May 2024 (April Updated)

The upcoming sports event, Sunderland v Sheffield Wednesday, is set to take place at the renowned Stadium of Light in Sunderland on the 4th of May 2024. This highly anticipated match is expected to draw in a massive crowd of passionate football fans from all over the UK. The clash between these two formidable teams is sure to be a thrilling spectacle filled with intense competition and skillful gameplay. As the date approaches, excitement continues to build, with supporters eagerly awaiting the chance to witness their favorite players in action. The Stadium of Light, located at Sunderland SR5 1SU, UK, provides the perfect backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown between Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday. Make sure not to miss out on this epic battle on the pitch that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Experience an enchanting musical journey celebrating the remarkable life of acclaimed songwriter Eric Boswell at "THE DONKEY, THE WHIPPET AND THE GIANT LEEK." International concert stars Graeme Danby and Valerie Reid will lead this joyous tribute at Seventeen Nineteen - Holy Trinity Church in Sunderland on May 4, 2024. Delight in 20 of Boswell’s timeless hits, including the beloved classic "Little Donkey," as well as a collection of ballads and comic songs from his celebrated North East Songbook. "The Donkey, The Whippet and the Giant Leek" showcases Boswell’s collaborations with music icons like Matt Munro, Ricky Valance, and Catherine Cookson, featuring unforgettable tunes such as "The Whippet," "The Ghost of St Mary’s," and "The Great Longbenton Leek." Written, produced, and devised by Tom Kelly and Graeme Thompson, this production chronicles Boswell’s illustrious career from his Sunderland roots to his legacy in Northumberland. While achieving commercial success in the 1950s and 60s, Boswell always cherished his songs reflecting the evolving North East of the late 20th Century. Secure your tickets for this extraordinary event, priced between £16.96 and £20.21, and immerse yourself in the rich musical tapestry of Eric Boswell's enduring legacy.

Embark on an exciting journey into cycling with the Learn to Ride Class in Sunderland. Thanks to the generous support of National Lottery players and Sport England, Sunderland Young People's Bike project is offering a series of free classes led by nationally accredited cycling instructors. These sessions cater to individuals aged 5 years and above, including older children and adults, who can balance but have yet to master pedaling without stabilizers. The classes focus on enhancing balance and confidence, particularly for those transitioning from a balance bike. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes to aid in their development, although bikes and helmets can be provided if needed. The session takes place at Thompson Park cycling skills area, situated near the prominent slide in the middle of the park. Various bike sizes and specialized options such as balance bikes are available to cater to different needs. Join us on May 21, 2024, at Thompson Road, Sunderland, SR5 1SF, for this fantastic opportunity. Thank you to all National Lottery players for your invaluable support. #NationalLottery.

The source of Lancaster’s paintings and drawings are found photographs, slides and cine films of strangers, purchased from online auction sites, flea markets and junk shops. She translates the lost and discarded memories into paintings which sit ambiguously between abstraction and figuration. The highly gestural, visceral and expressive application of paint allows the everyday and mundane to become surreal, grotesque and poignantly melancholic. Challenging the formal language of painting and photography Lancaster probes the reliability of the photograph as a record or snapshot replacing representation with nostalgia, familiar with dreamlike and lived experience with collective consciousness. Confronting a gendered history of painting, Lancaster draws upon numerous styles and genres as well as touching on the history of painting as a medium. The artist paints women in classical poses, be it in front of mirrors, in lush green landscapes or in moments of rest. However, these motifs, reimagined by Lancaster, avoid a simple passive reading, instead they allude to confinement, vulnerability and control. Guided in the direction of abstraction the paintings refrain from the voyeurism historically associated with female figures within the conventions of traditional painting.

Through a painting process akin to alchemy Trend liquifies and manipulates images, moving photographic emulsion around like paint. The ‘melted photographs’ are produced by meticulously applying paints and chemicals to the surface changing both the physical make up and narrative reading of the photographs. What was once a photograph is now a painting. Parts of the photograph are held, liquidated, painted, drawn over and embellished to produce new forms in response to the original composition of the image. Patterns in the work reference a sense of structure or break down in structure, against the fluid, amorphous nature of the melted image. The ground material of the ‘melted photographs’ is KODAK XTRALIFE paper. The exhibition’s title references this promise of longevity, that what is captured within a photograph outlives the fleeting moment it depicts, and everything contained within the photograph lives an XTRALIFE.

Experience an empowering and intense workout tailored exclusively for women at GRL PWR Sweat! Get ready to break a sweat and unleash your inner strength at The Cell in Sunderland on May 11, 2024. This powerful workout session is designed to help you connect with like-minded individuals while getting in shape. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this class is suitable for all. Join in the fun, make new friends, and groove to energizing tunes as we redefine the essence of GRL PWR together. Don't miss this opportunity to feel empowered and invigorated while working out. Secure your spot now for £6.13 and be part of this empowering fitness experience at GRL PWR Sweat.

Embark on an exciting cycling journey with the 'Adult Learn to Ride' class in Sunderland at Thompson Park. Geared towards adults who are new to cycling or looking to refresh their skills, this program aims to boost confidence and enhance cycling abilities. Expert instructors are on hand to guide participants through tailored sessions, catering to individual needs and skill levels. While a variety of bikes suitable for all ages and abilities are available, bringing your own bike is encouraged for ongoing progress and development. The event is scheduled for May 28, 2024, at Thompson Road, Sunderland, SR5 1SF, located in the heart of Thompson Park near the bowling green. Best of all, admission is free, offering a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your cycling journey in a supportive and welcoming environment.

The Cycle Skills Games event in Sunderland at Thompson Park (Homegrown Garden Centre) on May 28, 2024, offers participants the chance to enhance their cycling abilities. Building upon the success of the Learn to Ride classes, this program focuses on advancing confidence in cycling. Through engaging in various skill-building activities, attendees can improve their balance, coordination, cornering, control, braking, and observational skills. The Cycle Skills Games aim to provide a fun and interactive environment for individuals to hone their cycling techniques while enjoying the process. Admission to this event is free, making it accessible to all who are eager to refine their cycling skills. Join this educational and entertaining event to take your cycling proficiency to the next level.

The "Road Safety (Adults only)" class in Sunderland at Thompson Park is tailored to provide attendees with the necessary skills to navigate more challenging road situations safely. Participants will acquire advanced road cycling skills suitable for commuting or leisure activities. The class focuses on demonstrating proper rider positioning, sharing the road with heavy traffic, and cycling alongside other riders. It includes practical exercises on complex roads, navigating intricate junctions, and handling roads with speed limits exceeding 30mph. Additionally, participants will learn how to navigate traffic light-controlled junctions, multi-lane roads, and cycling infrastructure. This event will take place on May 29, 2024, at Thompson Park (Homegrown Garden Centre), located at Thompson Road, SR5 1SF. Admission to the event is free, offering a valuable opportunity for adults to enhance their road safety knowledge and skills.