Sunderland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are set to be bigger than ever, with popular livestreamer and social media star Gymskin announced as the latest headline act for the city’s festivities.
With more than 1.4 million followers on TikTok, Gymskin has built a huge online audience through his entertaining livestreams and social media content, bringing an exciting addition to Sunderland’s New Year celebrations.
The social media star comes to Sunderland at the end of a whirlwind year - he is credited with bringing Madonna's 1985 hit Into the Groove back into the UK charts this year after his signature dance to the track went viral, and he celebrated by getting Madonna to join in his dance on a livestream.
Gymskin will headline Sunderland's afternoon entertainment programme, which gets underway in Keel Square from mid-afternoon on Thursday 31 December, with a programme of family entertainment, live music and festive fun.
He joins an exciting New Year's Eve line-up that culminates with two spectacular fireworks displays, including an early evening show at 5.30pm and a midnight finale to welcome in 2027.
A fantastic line-up of entertainment will keep the celebrations going into the evening before Gok Wan takes to the stage ahead of the city's midnight fireworks spectacular.
Fairground rides, festive light installations and food traders serving seasonal treats and warming drinks will add to the celebrations throughout the day and into the evening.
Councillor Ciera Hudspith, Sunderland City Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, said:
“We're committed to making Sunderland's New Year's Eve event a celebration that brings people together, and Gymskin is a fantastic addition to this year's line-up. He's one of the most talked-about names on social media and has a huge following among younger audiences, so we're excited to welcome him to the city.
“Alongside our family activities, live entertainment, Gok Wan's headline performance and two spectacular fireworks displays, we're looking forward to ending the year in style and giving residents and visitors another great reason to visit Sunderland city centre.”
And there’s still more to come, with further acts and entertainment set to be announced in the coming weeks.
For the latest announcements, event details and ways to get involved, follow Sunderland UK on social media, visit www.mysunderland.co.uk/sunderlandstages, or check out The Sunderland App
