THE fog on the Tyne was well and truly lifted as the second of this year’s free Sunday concerts at Bents Park attracted another capacity crowd on Sunday (July 17).
North East folk/rock legends Lindisfarne and Scottish duo The Proclaimers provided the entertainment as the South Tyneside Festival continued with its summer of free shows.
Following a record turnout a week previous when X Factor stars Alexandra Burke, Ben Haenow and Reggie ‘N’ Bollie opened this year’s concert series, another capacity crowd headed to the coast for the second concert of the series.
The sunshine and warm weather brought music lovers out in their tens of thousands, and the venue filled up in record time ahead of warm-up act, singer-songwriter Beth Macari of Gateshead who set the scene for the big names.
Lindisfarne took to the stage with some of their greatest hits woven into a 50-minute set, playing favourites including Lady Eleanor, Meet Me on the Corner, Run for Home and of course Fog on the Tyne.
This left the crowd pumped up and ready for The Proclaimers – brothers Craig and Charlie Reid – who delighted the 24,000 fans with hits like Letter From America, I’m on My Way, Let’s Get Married and I’m Gonna be (500 miles).
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, was delighted to welcome another capacity crowd to the park.
“What a wonderful turn out we received for the second of this year’s summer concerts as part of the South Tyneside Festival,” he said. “The warm, sunny weather certainly brought the crowds out and we filled the venue in record time.
“The show was absolutely fantastic, and it is a testament to the success of the festival that we are able to bring acts like The Proclaimers and Lindisfarne to Bents Park. We look forward to the remaining shows and hope they prove to be just as popular.”
This year’s concerts are sponsored by Zeera Indian restaurant and takeaway, Colmans fish and chips, Port of Tyne and NCS (National Citizen Service) and in partnership with BBC Newcastle 95.4FM.
The third event next Sunday (July 24) will feature 80s icon Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet fame who will be joined by a host of local acts including Hope Swan, Lauren Amour, Stevie Tennet and 4 Worried Men.