The site, situated in Keel Square, provided a stellar programme of live music thanks to some of the region’s most prominent talents. And Thursday’s (August 21) opening festivities had a live music programme with an all-female line-up.
As Sunderland’s workers clocked off for the evening, throngs of music fans and Rugby supporters arrived at the locale for a cool drink and some live music. Many sports fans had arrived at the site from all over the world.
Fresh from Glastonbury, Shield’s native Cortney Dixon opened the proceedings with a powerful set of infectious indie-pop. Cortney will also perform at Come Together Festival in Newcastle today alongside US-rockers Kings of Leon.
And the song that resulted in Shannon picking up the award, being the recent single Echo, of course, featured in the set. Shannon will perform at Lindisfarne Festival in Northumberland next weekend.
Segued between the live acts, BBC’s The One Show was on site to soak up the atmosphere. To add to the spectacle, presenter Ugo Monye interviewed World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi and BBC Gladiator Jodie Ounsley. Perhaps the guest of honour was the Women’s Rugby World Cup itself, which sat proudly centre stage. 
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Sunderland’s Lottie Willis followed, providing the perfect soundtrack to a beautiful summer’s evening in the city. Before, Tyneside hip hop artist Kay Grayson, and a second appearance of the day for Cortney Dixon as part of popular indie act Du Blonde.
Thursday’s live music extravaganza was the perfect way to set the tone for today’s big game at the Stadium of Light.
