The final artists have been announced for this year’s Mouth of the Tyne Festival, organised by North Tyneside Council.
Back by popular demand after their sell-out show in 2015, the line-up includes the return of Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott.
Best known for Beautiful South and Housemartins hits including Rotterdam, Perfect 10, Happy Hour and Caravan of Love, the pair will also perform songs from their latest album Crooked Calypso at their show at Tynemouth Priory and Castle on Saturday 7 July, 2018.
Special guests on the night will be Sunderland’s Mercury Prize-nominated Field Music whose new album Open Here went Top 30 in its first week of release. Tickets for the show cost £33.50 and go on sale this Friday (March 2) at 9am.
And soul superstar Beverley Knight is also returning and will headline the festival’s family day at Tynemouth Priory on Sunday 8 July, 2018.
Speaking about the announcement, North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn, CBE, said: “I am delighted to welcome these fantastic artists to the line-up – I know many people will be looking forward to watching them in such a special and picturesque setting.
“With such brilliant acts, as well as a programme of free events in the local area, it is sure to be another great year for the Mouth of the Tyne Festival.
“The weekend attracts around 100,000 visitors a year and provides a huge boost to the local economy – supporting our commitment to making North Tyneside a great and prosperous place to live, work and visit.”
Beverley Knight is best known for her hits including Should Woulda Coulda, Come as You Are, Greatest Day, Piece of my Heart, Made it Back and many more.
Tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children and go on sale this Friday at 9am.
The festival’s other shows include a performance by Paloma Faith on Thursday 5 July, which sold out in just a few days.
Tickets for James Arthur’s show with Gabrielle Aplin at Tynemouth Priory on Friday 6 July are on sale now.
There are also special one-off shows at Playhouse Whitley Bay and Tynemouth’s Surf Café.
Contemporary folk act This is the Kit, supported by The Cornshed Sisters, will be at the Playhouse on Thursday 5 July while American folk-pop artist Josh Rouse will perform at the Surf Café on Tuesday 3 July. Both shows give the opportunity to see great artists in smaller, intimate settings.
Ticket links to all shows can be found at www.mouthofthetynefestival.com or on the festival’s Facebook page.
The festival, supported by Engie and Port of Tyne and now in its 14th year, has hosted a range of artists including Paul Weller, Elbow, James Bay, The Script, James Morrison and Bryan Ferry.
The weekend will also feature a free programme of events including international street entertainment, live jazz music and a children’s pageant.