Mackem musicians take centre stage at popular family park festival

Following its success over the last two years, Elemore Country Park will host an afternoon of live music and free family entertainment between 11am and 5pm, on Saturday 23 August.

The ever popular Lake Poets, whose song 'Shipyards' was the theme tune to the hit Netflix series 'Sunderland 'till I Die', are again headlining this year's festival.

Festival-goers can also enjoy performances from James and Jess Thoroughgood, This Little Bird, Celtic Man, Houghton Brass Band and the Moorsley Choir.

While families coming along on the day will find plenty to keep their little ones entertained, with a range of free activities including face painting, balloon modelling and children's craft and planting activities, as well as butterfly stilt walkers and a walkabout magician.

The Time Bandits will be on hand to deliver a George Stephenson/ railway/ industrial age offer, Durham Wildlife Trust will be hosting drop in craft sessions throughout the day and Clean It, Green It will be running craft and planting activities.

There will also be a range of community stalls including a Hetton Local History Group stall, a Meccano stall and a Halo project stall.

Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: "It's brilliant to see Elemore Music Family Festival returning this weekend for the third year running.

"Our intention right from the start has been for Elemore Country Park to become a real community space with local residents at its heart. It's been great to see so many families coming along to enjoy this fantastic free music festival in the last two years. I'm hoping this year's festival will be equally popular and I'd encourage everyone to come along on Saturday and have a great time."

Colin Liddle, Events Manager at Community Opportunities, who are delivering the event on behalf of Sunderland City Council, said: "We are very much looking forward to delivering the Elemore Festival this year, supporting people to come together at a local venue to listen to a range of musicians and join in with children's activities and all free of charge. It also gives organisations in the area a great opportunity to work together to provide a fun day for local residents."

For more information on the Elemore Family Music Festival, visit: www.mysunderland.co.uk/elemorefestival

In addition to the music and entertainment, food vendors will also be on site selling refreshments. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic blankets and chairs to the event.