6 minute read
Soul Food and Music Festival
Sunderland Soul Food and Music Festival
Sunderland Vibe checks in with Si King!
A celebration of food and drink will be back with a bang this year, not least because Sunderland will be getting two festivals in one! Sunderland Vibe brings you the latest on the brand new city-wide celebration taking place this summer…
10 - 12 June
The city will be enjoying three days of fun and feasting with the all-new Soul Food and Music Festival, which runs from 10-12 June this summer. Souled Out will take place at the former Vaux site and across the festival visitors can enjoy performances from headliners The King Cush Band, Voices of Virtue, Groove Train and Smoove and Turrell. They will also be treated to a range of specialised street food vendors – chosen by Hairy Biker, Si King - including Scream For Pizza, Dosa Kitchen, burger specialists One Dining and Nan Bei, who sell Chinese dumplings, with more operators about to be confirmed. While the Souled Out Festival will be a ticketed event, the Soul Food and Music Festival will offer a smorgasbord of free delights at Keel Square, including family entertainment, local buskers and a street food market featuring incredible edibles from around the world. Fitness enthusiasts are also well catered for, as organisers have ensured that there will be plenty of opportunities to feast on healthy superfoods with food stalls offering vegan, vegetarian, and organic produce throughout. After all that eating and drinking, you might feel like taking a spot of exercise but do not fear as you’ll be able to get the blood pumping with a range of family-friendly activities. Add into the mix cooking demonstrations, a kids club and a range of walkabout characters, the event looks like a recipe for a brilliant time! “I’m absolutely chuffed to bits to be involved in the Souled Out Festival Sunderland. “It’s going to be an amazing event where artists, food producers, and amazing musicians will come together and showcase Sunderland’s warmth and hospitality. “It has been my privilege to curate some of the food offerings and music, things that speak to the soul like nothing else. “We’ve brought together an incredible programme which anyone who loves food and music won’t want to miss.”
LOVERS OF GREAT FOOD AND MUSIC CAN JOIN THE SOULED OUT FESTIVAL SUNDERLAND; A FABULOUS INNER-CITY MUSIC CELEBRATION BROUGHT TO THE CITY BY TOP TV CHEF SI KING, ARGUABLY THE HAIRIER OF THE HAIRY BIKERS!
For more information on street food vendors, musicians and timetables, check out soulfoodmusicfestival.co.uk
Ready, set, get active!
Whatever your age and no matter how much you do, regular physical activity is good for your body and mind. And this summer there are plenty of opportunities to get us all moving more. From the British Triathlon Grand Final to the Stage Final of the men’s Tour of Britain, there’s a spectacle of athletes running, cycling and swimming right here in our city. And if watching them inspires you to give something new a go, we’ve got a few ideas to help.
British Triathlon Grand Final
Sunderland’s seafront will host the 2022 British Triathlon Grand Final, on 20 & 21 August, which will see the best of British athletes go head-to-head. Families and the wider community will have the opportunity to take part in a BIG Active Sunderland tri event. Designed especially for those who want to start their triathlon journey, there are two offers on the day – one for families and one for individuals wanting to dip their toes! For more information and details of how to sign up see https://www.gotri.org/events The city is also earmarked to host the world’s best triathletes during a leg of the prestigious 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series which sees the world’s best travel to iconic cities around the world.
Tour of Britain
The end of the third stage of the UK’s most prestigious cycle race, the Tour of Britain, will take place in Sunderland on Tuesday 6 September. Over 100 of the world’s best male riders will compete in the 18th edition of the modern race which is visiting the city this summer for the very first time.
Did you know?
You use 200 muscles to take a single step forwards. The average person walks about 7,500 steps per day. If you challenge yourself to do 10,000 steps a day you’ll increase your fitness levels and see the health benefits. Pinched for time? Even 10-minutes of exercise will help raise your heart rate and maintain fitness levels. Exercising helps to sharpen your mind as it increases the production of cells that are responsible for learning and memory. Listening to music while exercising can improve your workout performance - so pop on your favourite tunes!
Get involved and give it a try!
Feeling inspired? Whatever your age or ability, you can get involved…
BIG events!
Active Sunderland BIG Walk
The Active Sunderland BIG Walk will take place on Sunday 26th June. Those taking part can choose from a 3 mile, 8 mile or 12 mile route which make the most of the beautiful Herrington Country Park and Penshaw Monument as you spot wildlife, sculptures and much more. The 3 mile route will include character led walks, a nature trail and Active Sunderland fun games, perfect for the whole family.
Active Sunderland BIG Bike Ride
This year’s event is taking place on Sunday 24th July. Cyclists will tackle a route winding through a mixture of woodland, urban and rural terrain with 12, 20 and 40 mile routes to choose from.
FIND OUT MORE AND SIGN UP AT WWW.MYSUNDERLAND.CO.UK/ SWIM-BIKE-RUN
Active Sunderland Summer Family
Fun sessions will take place in parks and open spaces across the city during the school summer holidays. Families can try out a range of sports and games that will get the whole family active! Follow My Sunderland for more information.
Ideas to move more eveyday
Sunderland has a wealth of cycling networks, clubs and groups offering residents a range of activities - all year round - to encourage everyone, of all ages and abilities, to get active - as well as have fun! You don’t have to take on a big challenge (although if you do - good luck!). In fact gentle exercise and activity including walking, swimming or yoga help us all to keep fit and healthy. Change4Life Sunderland
Offers healthy lifestyle sessions for young people (0–18) and their families.
SEE WWW.SUNDERLAND.GOV.UK/ CHANGE4LIFESUNDERLAND
Step Up Sunderland App
Download the free App to track your steps
Sunderland Cycle Network
Over 100km of cycle routes for beginners, as well as long-distance routes, and 80km off-road from the heart of the city centre, out to the suburbs and countryside.
Walking Routes and led Walking Programme
Including free nordic walking, nature trails, and heritage and sculpture trails. See www.sunderland.gov.uk/walking for maps and details of led walking programme.
Aqua Bumps Programme
Free and a great way to keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT, WWW.SUNDERLAND.GOV.UK/ ACTIVESUNDERLAND
Healthy Benefits!
REGULAR ACTIVITY HELPS TO RELIEVE STRESS, IMPROVE SLEEP, BOOST OUR ENERGY LEVELS AND OVERALL MOOD.
Consistent regular exercise also reduces your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Mood boosting
Getting active helps to reduce anxiety, depression, and negative mood and improve your selfesteem.
Enhanced sleep
Moderate-to-vigorous exercise helps improve sleep quality as well as the time it takes to fall asleep, reducing the time you spend lying awake in bed.
Positive Energy
A daily brisk walk can boost your energy, lift your mood and make everyday activities easier. To get started download the Active 10 app to track your steps or for a bigger challenge try the Couch to 5K app, a free running programme for beginners.
