HOMEGROWN talent will join a huge line-up of stars at one of the North East’s biggest music festivals this summer.
Music fans can enjoy big names like Nile Rodgers and Chic, Travis, Johnny Marr and Rag’n’Bone Man when Hardwick Festival returns to Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, from 22 to 23 August.
And organisers will also be shining a spotlight on the region’s rising stars, thanks to the return of its popular Introducing Stage.
On Saturday, festival-goers can enjoy music from indie band and songwriters Plastic Glass, electronic-pop act Vandebilt, Yorkshire-based cover band 1Two3Four, Manchester’s alternative pop band HI SIENNA and Disregard ft Dan Jones.
Entertaining crowds the following day are rock band Twister – who are gearing up for a European tour – current The Voice UK contestant Ty Lewis, indie singer-songwriter Heidi Curtis, James Leonard Hewitson, fresh from releasing his debut album, and singer-songwriter Becca James.
New additions to the main stage’s line-up include Weekend Sun, who have enjoyed huge radio success including being played on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club, and sax-driven funk pop group PICNIC on Saturday, along with singer-songwriter Cortney Dixon on Sunday, known for her imaginative lyrics.
John Adamson, who owns Hardwick Hall Hotel, believes that it is important to showcase homegrown talent in the region.
“We have some amazing big name acts taking to the stage this year, but we are also delighted to give a platform to some lesser known artists and bands who are exceptionally talented in their own right,” said John.
“There are a huge variety of genres appearing on the line-up this year so festival-goers will certainly have a hard choice deciding who to go and see over the weekend.”
Other artists appearing on the main stage include Rebecca Ferguson, The Charlatans, Elvana, Twisted Wheel, The K’s and The Lancashire Hotpots, along with DJs performing at new stages the Tree House Arena and the Soul Tent.
Glitterbox is returning to the Coachhouse Arena for the second year, with top DJs including Todd Terry, The Shapeshifters, John Morales, Melvo Baptiste and Katie Goodman taking to the decks on Saturday.
On Sunday, the space will be taken over by popular Sedgefield event To The Manor Born, with sets from DJs Sam Divine, Graeme Park, Jo Manji, Brandon Block, Alex P and Tony Hutchinson
Tickets for this year’s Hardwick Festival are currently on sale at £55 for one day or £99 for both days plus booking fees. Concession tickets are available for children and 13-17-year-olds.
Camping and glamping options are available for those who want to immerse themselves in the festival experience.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.hardwicklive.co.uk