A HOST of stars will be sailing into South Tyneside this summer for a month of live music supported by one of the region’s largest businesses.
The Port of Tyne, one of the UK’s major deep sea ports providing a vital trading gateway to worldwide markets, is sponsoring the South Tyneside Festival Sunday Concert series for the third year in a row.
The concerts will be held in Bents Park, South Shields and will feature a host of big names including KT Tunstall (9 July), Busted (16 July) Louisa Johnson, Jedward and 5 After Midnight (23 July) and soul divas Sister Sledge (30 July) as well as a number of local artists.
The series is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors into the borough, and with such high profile stars taking to the stage this year, tourism chiefs are expecting a large influx of music fans from all over the UK.
Susan Wear, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Port of Tyne, believes the event is of great importance to the region.
“The Port of Tyne is proud to sponsor the South Tyneside Festival’s Sunday Concert series for the third year running,” she said.
“Every year the festival helps to showcase South Tyneside to a new audience, and brings in thousands of extra visitors and this helps support local businesses.
“The Port of Tyne is delighted to once again be a part of this great open-air event, which we are sure will provide a welcome boost to the local economy.”
The Sunday Concert series, supported by BBC Newcastle 95.4FM, is also being sponsored by Colmans Seafood Temple, Town Centre Automobiles and Little Haven Hotel.
Admission to all four concerts will be free of charge but access is on a first come, first served basis. For the first time this year, fans can guarantee admission to see their favourite stars by buying a special advance ticket for just £5.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “I am thrilled that Port of Tyne has come on board to support our Sunday Concert series for the third year in succession.
“Our fantastic sponsors make this whole event possible, and it is wonderful to have such a high profile company returning year after year to help us keep this event running.”
Priority Access Tickets for all four shows are available to buy now from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/southtynesidefestival or by calling 0844 844 0444.
They can also be purchased over the counter at Shop @ The Word in Market Place, South Shields.
For more information and full listings visit: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk