Free entry

Dear Sunderland comes to Summer Streets Festival - the free, open-air celebration of music, arts and culture that has been bringing people together at Roker seafront every summer since 2014.

Earlier this year, we asked people to write a letter to Sunderland. From children to elders, from lifelong residents to new arrivals, Dear Sunderland brings people together to share the remarkable stories and people that make up this place. Expect surprising connections, differences of opinion, everything from pure joy to deep frustration (and yes, that includes the football). Above all expect honesty, humour and heart.

Commissioned by The Cultural Spring, Dear Sunderland was created in response to the public disorder that affected parts of the city in summer 2024, events that left some communities feeling unsettled and divided. The project set out to make space for reflection and re-connection.

A live performance took place in March 2026 at Pop Recs, followed by pop-up events in Washington and Sunderland Station. Summer Streets is the next destination for Dear Sunderland - we hope you can join us!