Featured Events in Sunderland in March, 2024 (June Updated)

The highly anticipated sporting extravaganza, Sunderland v Leicester City, is set to ignite the city of Sunderland on the 5th of March, 2024. This momentous clash will take place at the prestigious Stadium of Light, situated in the heart of Sunderland, UK. With its electrifying atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, the Stadium of Light is the perfect stage for these two football powerhouses to showcase their skills and battle it out for victory. Fans from all corners of the globe will flock to this iconic venue, ready to witness the exhilaration and drama that unfolds on the pitch. The clash between Sunderland and Leicester City promises to be a breathtaking display of talent, determination, and sheer passion for the beautiful game. So mark your calendars and get ready to be enthralled by this epic encounter. Sunderland v Leicester City is a sporting spectacle not to be missed!

The source of Lancaster’s paintings and drawings are found photographs, slides and cine films of strangers, purchased from online auction sites, flea markets and junk shops. She translates the lost and discarded memories into paintings which sit ambiguously between abstraction and figuration. The highly gestural, visceral and expressive application of paint allows the everyday and mundane to become surreal, grotesque and poignantly melancholic. Challenging the formal language of painting and photography Lancaster probes the reliability of the photograph as a record or snapshot replacing representation with nostalgia, familiar with dreamlike and lived experience with collective consciousness. Confronting a gendered history of painting, Lancaster draws upon numerous styles and genres as well as touching on the history of painting as a medium. The artist paints women in classical poses, be it in front of mirrors, in lush green landscapes or in moments of rest. However, these motifs, reimagined by Lancaster, avoid a simple passive reading, instead they allude to confinement, vulnerability and control. Guided in the direction of abstraction the paintings refrain from the voyeurism historically associated with female figures within the conventions of traditional painting.

Through a painting process akin to alchemy Trend liquifies and manipulates images, moving photographic emulsion around like paint. The ‘melted photographs’ are produced by meticulously applying paints and chemicals to the surface changing both the physical make up and narrative reading of the photographs. What was once a photograph is now a painting. Parts of the photograph are held, liquidated, painted, drawn over and embellished to produce new forms in response to the original composition of the image. Patterns in the work reference a sense of structure or break down in structure, against the fluid, amorphous nature of the melted image. The ground material of the ‘melted photographs’ is KODAK XTRALIFE paper. The exhibition’s title references this promise of longevity, that what is captured within a photograph outlives the fleeting moment it depicts, and everything contained within the photograph lives an XTRALIFE.

Embark on an exciting cycling journey with the 'Learn to Ride' sessions in Sunderland at Thompson Park (Homegrown Garden Centre) on March 9, 2024. These sessions cater to individuals of all ages (5+ yrs) and are ideal for those looking to enhance their cycling skills or start from scratch. Transition from stabilisers to free wheels and boost your balance and confidence while progressing towards independent pedaling. Families are encouraged to participate together, fostering a shared experience and lasting enjoyment. Gain valuable tips and engage in confidence-building games to feel prepared for family rides using local infrastructure. Participants are urged to bring their own bikes for optimal development, though bikes and helmets can be provided upon request. Each child must be accompanied by an actively involved adult during the session. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn and grow as a cyclist, all for free at Thompson Park in Sunderland.

Discover the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi at the upcoming workshop "Kintsugi: embrace imperfection with the Japanese art of mending pottery." Led by experienced workshop leader Pui Lee, this event will take place on March 16, 2024, at Seventeen Nineteen in Sunderland. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the 15th-century tradition of repairing broken pottery with gold, celebrating flaws, and embracing imperfections. The workshop is designed for beginners and will provide all necessary materials. Tickets are available for £13.70, and attendees aged 16 and above are welcome to join. The workshop is part of Seventeen Nineteen's Vitamin Art program, offering creative sessions for adults in a welcoming and inclusive environment. For those interested in mending their own pottery, there will be a selection available, or they can bring their own piece for repair. Join us for a mindful and enriching experience, exploring the beauty of imperfection through the art of Kintsugi.

Get ready for an electrifying clash as Sunderland v Queens Park Rangers takes center stage at the iconic Stadium of Light in the vibrant city of Sunderland. Mark your calendars for March 16, 2024, because this is a match that no football enthusiast should miss. As the home team, Sunderland will be looking to defend their turf and showcase their skills in front of a passionate crowd. The atmosphere will be buzzing with anticipation as these two formidable teams battle it out on the pitch. The Stadium of Light, with its impressive capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, is the perfect setting for this thrilling encounter. Located at Sunderland SR5 1SU, UK, it offers easy accessibility and a comfortable experience for all spectators. So whether you're a die-hard supporter of Sunderland or a devoted fan of Queens Park Rangers, gather your fellow football fanatics and get ready to witness a match that promises excitement, drama, and a display of pure sporting excellence. Sunderland v Queens Park Rangers is a showdown that will leave you on the edge of your seat, so make sure you secure your tickets in advance and be part of this unforgettable sporting spectacle.

Experience an evening of fun informal learning about curation basics at the Pink-collar Gallery Presents - Curation Live Workshop in Sunderland. Curated by Michaela Wetherell and Will Hughes, this one-night-only exhibition invites participants to bring a piece of their work to be a part of the event. For a ticket price of £3, attendees can secure a spot at the workshop, with the option of a free ticket available for those fully committed to attending but facing financial constraints. Delve into the world of curation, exploring different styles, dos, and don'ts of applying to exhibitions. Engage in hands-on activities, learning how to arrange exhibitions by theme, color, and style. Get ready to display your work on the walls of Port Independent and celebrate your achievements at the exhibition preview. This event caters to beginners in the arts seeking guidance on showcasing their work and networking with fellow creatives. Prepare your 2D works for hanging and consider bringing up to 2 pieces for display. For any inquiries, reach out to Michaela at pinkcollargallery@gmail.com.

The "Road Safety (Adults only)" class in Sunderland, taking place at Thompson Park (Homegrown Garden Centre) on March 23, 2024, is tailored to equip participants with advanced skills for navigating challenging road situations. This course delves into correct rider positions, sharing roads with heavy traffic, and riding alongside other cyclists. Emphasizing more complex roads, intricate junctions, and speeds exceeding 30mph, attendees will also learn how to navigate traffic lights, multi-lane roads, and cycling infrastructure. Whether one's cycling for leisure or commuting to work, this class offers essential knowledge to enhance road safety awareness. The event is free for all interested individuals seeking to elevate their road cycling proficiency in demanding environments.