Stars and stripes fly high in Sunderland

Sunderland has marked Independence Day with help from the stars of a hit US musical.

Cast members from Hamilton joined local schoolchildren and civic leaders to raise the American flag at Washington Old Hall, the ancestral home of the first US president. 

Akmed Junior Khemalai and Marley Fenton, who have starring roles in the award-winning West End show, led the celebrations alongside Washington Academy pupil John Komolafe, dressed in the traditional uniform of George Washington’s bodyguards.

The event is held annually at the National Trust site, recognising the historic ties between Sunderland and the US. 

Marley, who plays Alexander Hamilton in the multi-award-winning musical, which runs at Sunderland Empire until July 26, said: “It’s so special to be in Washington, the place where the first US President’s ancestors lived. 

“George Washington is a prominent character in Hamilton, which gives us an insight into the rich history of the US, as he and others began to create its constitution.  

“It’s so cool to be able to shine a light on Sunderland’s unique connection to one of America’s founding fathers.”

Akmed, who plays George Washington, added: “Washington Old Hall, like the first President whose family lived here, has an unbreakable link with the US’s history and it’s wonderful to celebrate that today, on the fourth of July, an important day for our friends across the pond.”

Since 2006, Sunderland has held a unique Friendship Agreement with Washington DC – the only one of its kind between the American capital and a non-capital city anywhere in the world.

Representatives from local schools, Sunderland City Council, The National Trust, Friends of Washington Old Hall, and youth organisations also took part in the ceremony.

Councillor Ehthesham Haque, mayor of Sunderland, added: “Our city enjoys a unique friendship with Washington DC, thanks to the special historical connection we share through the Washington family.  

“And this summer, with Hamilton running at the Empire and the Women’s Rugby World Cup opener at the Stadium of Light where England take on the US, there’s so much to celebrate with our American connections.”

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