PICNIC helps get the party started again

Gigs are set to resume at Independent for the first time since March – with a Sunderland band topping the bill.

PICNIC, an indie-pop six piece who met while students, will be performing their upbeat music for the first in a series of planned gigs, which will take place on Saturday, October 3.

Before the lockdown, PICNIC re l ea s e d I Ne e d Everybody, their first single since signing to Think Tank? Records. They then released an album of artists covering the song featuring the likes of Field Music, Holly Rees and more raising money for Sunderland Food Bank during the pandemic.

Joining the socially-distanced party at Independent will be Hartlepool's Marketplace and Faye Fantarrow from We Make Culture's YoungMusiciansProjectwho will be supporting PICNIC.

Marketplace have quickly built a buzz in the Teesside scene since launching their debut single Evergreen in 2019 and following up with Hard 2 Love earlier this year.

Speaking about the lineup, a spokesperson from the venue said: “Opener Faye Fantarrow is no stranger to Independent. One of the brightest young talents from Sunderland right now, she's a definite future star and we're very excited to have her back in the home of the Blue Pint.

"Meanwhile, PICNIC are one of the most fun bands in the region right now and are perfect for an opening party.”

In line with social distancing, the gig will all be seated and will have to meet the new restrictions imposed for a local lockdown.

Tickets will be available from www.independentsunderland.com