Radio 1’s Big Weekend is the latest in a string of music events being held in the north-east of England after the Mercury Prize and Mobo Awards were hosted in Newcastle earlier this year.
Bar worker Matthew Lounton, 20, said it was “about time” more major music events were held in the North East, as he feels the region has been overlooked.
He said Big Weekend coming to his hometown was “absolutely brilliant” and hopes it will showcase the positive atmosphere within the city.
“Honestly I’m over the moon,” he added. “To get more things in Sunderland, it’s absolutely top tier, I couldn’t ask for more.
“I’m absolutely buzzing. I think it will be a great event.”
Daisy Scollen, 19, who uses social media to promote Sunderland’s music scene, said her parents attended the 2005’s Big Weekend and its return next year proves the city is “back on the map”.
Sunderland City Council is working closely with the BBC to make sure it is a “safe, inclusive and enjoyable event”, according to the broadcaster.
Leader of the council, councillor Michael Mordey, said it was “a fantastic opportunity to show people who haven’t been to Sunderland, what a brilliant city it is and how much is happening here”.
