The Labour politician said: “We expect the Big Weekend to be worth more than £3.5m to Sunderland and the North East, which is why we’re happy to back Sunderland in meeting the local cost of bringing the event to the region.”
Her office has pledged to put £495,000 out of a total £975,000 investment into the event, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
McGuinness said it would help build on the region’s reputation, after it hosted the Mobo and Mercury Awards in Newcastle in 2025.
She added: “The money we’re putting into the Big Weekend will help establish and develop Herrington as a venue for future major events and festivals.”