The free event on Thursday, August 21, at Keel Square promises an evening of “music and conversation,” from 4pm to 10pm, for the community to come together.
The event will feature live performances from Cortney Dixon, Shannon Pearl, Lottie Willis, Kay Greyson, and Du Blonde, as well as a panel talk celebrating women in sport and music.
Following the kick-off celebration, the city will mark match day on Friday, August 22, featuring a fan village and community parade at 4.45pm, leading to the Stadium of Light for the game.
The fan village will open at 9am with rugby-themed games, walkabout characters, and tribute acts, followed by a fireworks finale at 10.15pm.
Those attending will also be some of the first to walk across the new Keel Crossing Bridge, which opens at around 10am.
Finally, the “creative takeover” on Saturday, August 23, will see Sunniside Market move to Keel Square to host live sketching, aerial hoop try-outs, bubble shows, and more.
More information on the events and celebrations can be found at mysunderland.co.uk/rugbyworldcup.
