On 28 June Beyoncé will bring her Formation world tour to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. If B has some time to enjoy this jewel of the North East before the coach (sorry, ‘tour bus’) leaves for Cardiff, we have taken the liberty of preparing a short itinerary for her and the family, showcasing some of Sunderland’s most glamorous highlights. You’re welcome B, you're welcome.
Best thing she never had? A tour of Sunderland’s Monkwearmouth Station Museum. Housed in a 1840s station building, it displays many original features such as the ticket booths, fireplaces and shuttered windows.
Beyoncé could make her own halo at the National Glass Centre. Sunderland is famous for its glassblowing and at this temple of all things, um, glass she can learn a new skill, enjoy a latte by the river overlooking the busy port, or take a walk on the glass roof. Let’s hope she doesn’t smash the glass ceiling here though, people may get hurt.
If B is hoping to find another Flawless diamond she’ll be disappointed that the Washington 'F' Pit is not that kind of mine. It’s a coal mine, or it was before it closed in 1968. She would however be able to see the impressive winding engine which once took pitmen to the coalface and brought coal to the surface. Or maybe she has been before, with Drake, and the two of them thought, ‘hey, we should write a song about this’.
She’s Crazy in Love with Nandos having once famously spent £1500 at an Essex branch of the chicken shop. So Beyoncé will be thrilled she can get her Peri Peri fix at the Sunderland outpost, which is next door to the cinema and bowling alley. Perfect date night, huh Jay?
Beyoncé can join Sunderland’s single ladies at Ruba, the city’s premiere nightspot. She should do her best not to miss Teapot Tuesdays (we can only imagine), student Wednesdays, karaoke rock nights on Thursdays and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Slaaaaaay.
Upgrade U? You bet. At the Sunderland Marriott B will have a view of the seafront, a spacious room with a dedicated workspace, satellite TV and internet access. There may even be a kettle.
