A MIX of local bands and community groups will be making music at South Shields this summer as part of the South Tyneside Festival.
The popular live music series at Sandhaven Amphitheatre will run across seven nights in June, giving local artists the chance to showcase their talent.
This year’s events are sponsored by Minchella & Co, and will begin on Saturday 2 June, with music from three-piece Rock ‘n’ Roll/Rockabilly band, Troubleshooters.
Rivelino will be on hand on Thursday 7 June to deliver a night of cover classics, with everything from Fleetwood Mac and Bay City Rollers to Oasis and Paulo Nutini.
On Saturday 9 June, music will come from bands Post Rome and Animal Sons, both of which have been working with The Garage Studios in Mitre Place.
Popular local band The Understudies will return on 14 June, back by popular demand following a successful performance at last year’s Sunday concert series at Bents Park.
Audiences will be transported back to the glamtastic 1970s on 16 June, as The Sleeze Sisters bring the fully costumed sounds of T-Rex, Sweet, Mud, Slade and many more in the ultimate fun night.
Thursday 21 June will bring the annual showcase performance by the youngsters from the music department at South Tyneside College, while local band Panic Report close the series on Saturday 23 June as they perform a selection of their own tunes along with some famous covers.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, is excited about the return of live music to the amphitheatre.
“There is always something very special about live music, and our amphitheatre concerts have always been a huge success,” he said. “The location is very special and it always attracts people of all ages.
“This year, we have a lot of wonderful local bands taking part, and there is a really eclectic mix to the programme. From local students to established successful bands, we seem to have it all this year.
“I am looking forward to seeing some of our home-grown talent performing in this year’s concerts, and I am also very excited to be welcoming back The Understudies who are always brilliant at these events.”
All shows at the Sandhaven Amphitheatre run from 7-9pm and are free of charge.
For full details and event listings for this this year’s South Tyneside Festival visit: www.southtynesidefestival.co.ukor follow the social media accounts on Twitter @stynesideevents and Facebook /southtynesideevents