FAQs

General Information

  • Summer Streets Festival is a free, family-friendly weekend festival celebrating music, arts, creativity and community in Sunderland. The festival brings together local talent, emerging artists and internationally recognised performers alongside workshops, crafts, film and participatory activity.

  • Summer Streets Festival 2026 takes place at Cliffe Park, Roker, Sunderland on:

    • Saturday 4 July 2026 — 12pm–7.30pm

    • Sunday 5 July 2026 — 12pm–6pm

  • Yes — the festival is completely free to attend.

  • No tickets are required. Just turn up and enjoy the weekend.

  • Absolutely. SSF is an unticketed open-site festival and audiences are free to come and go as they please.

  • Yes — Summer Streets is designed for all ages, with activities and performances suitable for children, young people, adults and families.

Travel & Access

  • Cliffe Park is easily accessible by foot, bike, bus and Metro.

  • No. There is limited on-street parking around the festival site, but audiences are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible.

  • Seaburn Metro station is within walking distance of the festival site.

  • There is no dedicated bike parking area, though there are sensible places adjacent to the site where bikes can be securely locked.

  • Yes — the festival site is wheelchair accessible.

Food, Drink & Facilities

  • Yes — there will be a range of local food and drink traders onsite, including vegetarian and vegan options.Yes — there will be a range of local food and drink traders onsite, including vegetarian and vegan options.

  • Yes. Audiences are welcome to bring their own refreshments into the festival site.Yes. Audiences are welcome to bring their own refreshments into the festival site.

  • Yes. We have fully licensed bars onsite serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Audiences may also bring their own alcohol, though we ask everyone to behave responsibly and remember SSF is a family-friendly event.Yes. We have fully licensed bars onsite serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Audiences may also bring their own alcohol, though we ask everyone to behave responsibly and remember SSF is a family-friendly event.

  • Definitely — audiences are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and camping chairs to relax and enjoy the festival.Definitely — audiences are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and camping chairs to relax and enjoy the festival.

  • Yes, including accessible toilet/changing facilities. There are also several public toilet facilities adjacent to the festival site.Yes, including accessible toilet/changing facilities. There are also several public toilet facilities adjacent to the festival site.

  • Most traders accept both cash and card payments.Most traders accept both cash and card payments.

Safety & Welfare

  • Yes — SSF uses a professional but light-touch stewarding and security approach to help create a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

  • The festival will go ahead in most weather conditions, so please dress appropriately for the forecast.

  • Yes — professional first aid provision will be available throughout the weekend.

  • Please visit the Green Room / Artist Liaison Tent behind the Main Stage.

  • Yes — the Green Room / Artist Liaison Tent behind the Main Stage acts as the festival welfare and safeguarding point.

Festival Rules & Participation

  • Yes — dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a lead at all times.

  • Yes — volunteer opportunities will be announced through SSF social media channels and the festival website.

  • Absolutely. No prior experience is needed for any SSF workshop or participatory activity.

  • Yes — Summer Streets actively supports emerging artists and local talent. Keep an eye on our channels for artist opportunities and announcements.