SUNDERLAND MUSIC CITY INFLUCENCES THE EU’S MUSIC STRATEGY AT MAJOR EUROPEAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), is Europe’s leading showcase and conference festival for new music, taking place in Groningen, Netherlands.
Paul Callaghan, of Sunderland Music City, features as part of a strong presence from the Music Cities Network (MCN), which were invited to lead a key discussion on how cities can support music, culture and creative economies at a local level.
MCN have curated and facilitated the 8th Music Moves Dialogue, an influential European forum supported by the European Commission and delivered by the Federation of Music Conferences.
The year’s theme puts cities and regions at the heart of the conversation – highlighting how places like Sunderland can use music to drive regeneration, talent development and international collaboration.
Paul Callaghan participated in an expert panel, alongside European partners, exploring how local music scenes can thrive through stronger connections.
Music Cities Network also co-hosted the Cities and Regions Breakfast with Hamburg Music, bringing together city leaders and music organisations to share ideas and best practice.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Paul Callaghan said:“Sunderland has shown how music can play a real role in shaping a city’s future – from supporting emerging artists to contributing to regeneration and civic pride.
Being part of this conversation at Eurosonic puts Sunderland on the European map as a city that takes music seriously and understands its value to communities and the economy.”
Alongside high-profile discussions that influence cultural policy and the future of the music industry in Europe, the festival hosts live performances from exciting artists from across the continent.
The formal recognition by the Music Cities Network places Sunderland among a global powerhouse of cities like Berlin, Manchester and Sydney, committed to harnessing music as a tool for social and economic transformation, and marks a bold new chapter in the city’s creative future.
Sunderland Year of Music events are being announced daily; to see the most up-to-date list visit https://musiccity.uk/year-of-music