Mouth of the Tyne Festival returns this summer with a packed programme of live music concerts, world-class street theatre and special one-off performances in Tynemouth and Whitley Bay.
Taking place from July 5 to July 8, the star-studded line-up at Tynemouth Priory and Castle includes Paloma Faith, James Arthur, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott.
Queen of British soul, Beverley Knight is back and will be headlining the festival’s Sunday family day on July 8.
And the full-line up for the Platinum-selling singer’s Sunday show has now been confirmed – it includes MF Robots, a new group from the founder of The Brand New Heavies; Big Red and the Grinners who give a fun new take on classics like Cameo’s Word Up; Georgie, a newly signed artist to Columbia Records; and Hetton-le-Hole’s pit-pop outfit Dennis.
The Sunday show also offers a chance for one of North Tyneside’s best young bands or musicians to perform alongside established international artists. A week earlier Soundfest, a competition to win a place to perform on the festival’s main stage, takes place and a dozen acts will battle it out for the opportunity.
North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn, CBE, said: “Mouth of the Tyne Festival is hugely popular and I know many people are looking forward to the different events.
“With its mix of brilliant live music concerts, international street entertainment, jazz music and, of course, the wonderful parade featuring local schoolchildren, there is lots happening.
“The festival attracts thousands of people and provides a big boost to the local economy – supporting our commitment to making North Tyneside a great and prosperous place to live, work and visit.”
Tickets for Paloma Faith and Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott are now sold out, but some tickets are available for James Arthur, performing on Friday 6 July, and Beverley Knight who takes to the stage on Sunday 8 July.
Elsewhere in the borough, Playhouse Whitley Bay will see concerts from Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul on Monday 2 July, This Is the Kit on Thursday 5 July, Collabro on Friday 6 July and Suzanne Vega on Friday 22 July.
Tynemouth Surf Café will host a BBC Introducing night on Sunday 8 July featuring local artists YUMA, Eve Simpson, Callum Pitt and FEVA.
The popular jazz stage will once again be outside of the Gibraltar Rock and free street entertainment featuring some weird and wonderful acts will take place on Front Street.
This year’s ‘BIG’ pageant in Tynemouth will include hundreds of young people embracing a colourful and diverse parade with schools, bands, local dance and community groups all taking part in the procession.
Tynemouth Station’s packed programme will run alongside the bustling weekend markets and will feature live music, activities for under-fives and special one-off performances.
The festival is supported by Engie, Port of Tyne and Kier and has hosted a range of artists including Paul Weller, Elbow, James Bay, The Script, James Morrison and Bryan Ferry.
Now in its 14th year, the event has grown into one of the region’s favourite summer festivals, attracting around 100,000 people from the local area and beyond.
For more information or tickets visit www.mouthofthetynefestival.com or follow the official Facebook page.