Member Article

‘It’s my party’ says Sunderland as it gears up for Jessie J

Never mind the price tag as Jessie J would say, because the streets of Sunderland will be buzzing with FREE entertainment in the run up to the blinkbox music North East Live concert this weekend.

Bringing her own tribute act to the city streets will be Karen Tomlinson - aka ‘Just Jessie’ - singing all of the star’s hits to get fans in the mood ahead of the concert held at Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Blinkbox music North East Live sees the real Jessie J joined at the Stadium of Light by Rizzle Kicks, The Saturdays, Jason Derulo, Katy B, Union J, The Vamps, Austin Mahone, Neon Jungle and Rixton on 22 June.

In addition to Just Jesse, visitors to Sunderland’s city centre on Saturday 21 June – the day before the Stadium concert – will also experience FREE live music from The Glitter Dolls, a range of dazzling street performers and hip-hop dance group, Dance Jam. They will also catch a glimpse of VAMOS, as dancers and musicians showcase their forthcoming Brazilian street party set for 5 July.

Northumbria University student Kyle Jackson, a keen singer-songwriter, will also be singing and playing acoustic guitar. All the music acts will be providing a mix of original tunes and some interesting covers in keeping with the themes of the North East Live line-up.

The events, which will be delivered by Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) working in partnership with Sunderland Live, will be held in Market Square, Blandford Street, Park Lane and High Street between 12 noon and 4.00pm on Saturday afternoon.

Ken Dunbar, chief executive of BID Sunderland, said: “Despite the awful weather on the day we had people dancing in the streets during our two day city family event programme before the One Direction concert. Everybody commented on how good it was to see things happening in the city centre.

“It’s not all about the money, money, money, so we’re encouraging all families to spend some time in the city centre and experience the festival atmosphere this Saturday, enjoying what our unique cafés, restaurants and shops have to offer, and be part of the vibe around the North East Live concert weekend.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sunderland Business Improvement District .