Residents are invited to STAGES Presents: The Future is Yours – a free skills programme designed to inspire and support Sunderland’s next generation of creative talent.
Taking place at City Hall on Saturday 28 February, the event features a full day of workshops, masterclasses and panel talks focused on careers in the creative industries.
The programme will give young people, students, emerging artists and early-career professionals the chance to learn directly from people working in the music industry. Global dance music brand Defected are leading the programme which brings top level industry expertise to Sunderland.
The day will centre around a panel discussion offering exclusive inside information about the industry. The panel will feature speakers including; Steven Braines, head of events at Defected, Glitterbox and co-founder of HE.SHE.THEY, Sean Sines, head of A&R at Nothing Else Matters and producer of Jamie Jone’s Hot Robot Radio and Andrew Leese, founder of Socially Sound and business owner of UNFILTERED. Neil Bainbridge, founder of Neighbourhood PR and Shindig, and Sunderland DJ’s and producers Loui Brown AKA Sorley and Nath Brown will also be taking part.
Other activities include simple, hands-on workshops, DJ and music production masterclasses, Ableton software sessions, DJ clubs in schools and colleges, and support from trained tutors.
Attendees will also be able to try interactive music installations, join a careers day, as well as get clear, practical advice on how to build a career in different areas, such as event management, promotion, performing, technical production and content creation. Panel talks will bring together experts from across the UK to share their experience.
Councillor Beth Jones, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said:
“The STAGES Skills Programme is a great chance for people in Sunderland to learn real, practical skills from people who work in the music industry every day.
“Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step, these sessions are designed to help you grow your confidence and understand how the industry works. STAGES is about more than live events, it’s about giving people the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
This project has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and North East Combined Authority. For more information about the North East Combined Authority visit: North East CA
Up and coming artists can register to reserve their space for free here at STAGES Festival Presents: The Future Is Yours – MySunderland. Places are available on a first come first served basis, and registrations will close Wednesday 18th February 2026.
This event takes place a month before STAGES Presents: fstr. An underground rave in Riverside Car Park on Friday 27 March. The STAGES programme builds on the success of last year’s STAGES Festival on Keel Square and around the city of Sunderland.
For more information, please visit the website https://www.stages-festival.co.uk/, or follow Stages Festival at https://www.facebook.com/stagessunderland/ and https://www.instagram.com/stagessunderland.
