TIME is running out for fans looking to buy tickets for one of the region’s biggest music weekends this summer.
Hardwick Hall at Sedgefield, County Durham will play host to Madness Live on Friday 18 August followed by Hardwick Live on Saturday 19 August, as the leading live music event returns.
And now with just one month to go, many tickets are on the verge of selling out and organisers warn anyone still wanting to purchase camping or Gold tickets to do so quickly, or risk missing out.
Iconic 80s ska legends, Madness, will get the party started when Suggs and the gang take to the stage on the Friday evening.
The band, famed for a string of hits including Baggy Trousers, Our House, It Must Be Love and House of Fun, will be supported by leading North East funk favourites Smoove and Turrell, comedy rock band The Lounge Kittens and 13-year-old singer Tom Smith from Houghton-le-Spring.
The main event the next day will involve some of the biggest bands from the 1990s, emerging talent from across the region along with DJs and comedians.
Stars lined up on the day include Ocean Colour Scene, Pete Doherty, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Soul II Soul, Gabrielle and Brand New Heavies, British punk legends Buzzcocks, the Bootleg Beatles, Cattle & Cane and The Lancashire Hotpots.
For those looking for a slightly different sound, a host of DJs headed-up by Brandon Block, Allister Whitehead and Danny Rampling will be on the Dome stage throughout the day.
There will also be a comedy performance, hosted by MC Kyle Lee and featuring Britain’s Got Talent favourites the Mimic Men, aka Alfie Joey and Cal Halbert, and Phil Walker.
In true festival style, camping is available but places are now very limited. Glamping has now completely sold out and there are just a handful of campervan spaces remaining, and less than 50 tent pitches.
Gold tickets for both Madness and Hardwick Live are also now in short supply. These are priced at £99 per person for both events, and include VIP car parking, a three-course hot and cold buffet in the Coleman Suite, designated seating and use of hotel toilets and cloakroom area.
John Adamson, owner of Ramside Estates which runs Hardwick Live, believes these could sell out very soon.
“With less than a month to go now until Madness and Hardwick Live, we have noticed a sharp upturn in people snapping up tickets,” he said. “Our Gold packages have been very popular and we only have a few left for both nights.
“We have also had a lot of people wanting to enjoy the full festival experience and stay on site, and as a result we have a limited number of tent and campervan spaces left.
“We anticipate these will sell out in the next week or two so we’re urging anyone who hasn’t yet purchased their ticket to do so now, or face missing out.”
Tickets for both Madness Live and Hardwick Live are available to purchase now, with prices starting at £8 for children and £49 for adults.
To buy tickets, and for further information, listings and festival guide visit: www.hardwicklive.co.uk