ONE of the North East’s most iconic landmarks is opening a new chapter in its 600 year history, by staging the first two-day music event with ATA Events.
Lumley Castle Hotel at Chester-le-Street, County Durham, will be the backdrop for Opulence, running on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September.
While the big-name performers are not being unveiled until later this month, organisers have promised it will be an extravaganza, with headliners including 80s and 90s superstars on the Friday, followed by a full day of the best of House music on the Saturday.
Opulence is the brainwave of experienced event organisers, ATA Events, who have been staging shows around the country for more than 20 years, featuring a diverse range of artists from Sister Sledge, Razorlight, Armand Van Helden, Ella Henderson and Scouting for Girls.
It was ATA Events operations manager, Daz Flatman, a well-known DJ in his own right, who wanted to stage something really new for the region after moving to the North East.
“We didn’t want to do something that was just another show in a field, we wanted a spectacular location where we could stage something unique,” he said.
He admits that convincing such an iconic landmark to allow the events to be hosted on their grounds “took a lot of persuading.
“The combination of our experience and the vision of what we wanted to do convinced them that would be really special.”
Jeff Hodgson, General Manager at Lumley Castle said the team were already getting excited about the event: “My team and I are looking forward to seeing everyone come together to enjoy this amazing festival at Lumley Castle,” he said.
“The preparations are underway and we can’t wait to welcome the local community, and visitors from further afield, too. It’s going to be something truly special, in such an iconic setting.”
Lindsey Clarke, Event Manager at the hotel also added: “I’m delighted to be working alongside ATA Events to help organise a music festival this autumn and to be involved in something entirely new for Lumley Castle, it’s great to create an event that will bring the local community together.”
Two large stages will be erected in the castle grounds, with the Lawn stage hosting the Friday line-up, followed by the Saturday line-up alongside the additional Monument stage.
A whole host of North East talent will feature on both days, showcasing the region’s vibrant music scene.
Along with general tickets, there will be a small amount of VIP and VVIP packages available, which include the option to stay in the castle’s hotel rooms and will allow attendees to enjoy an exclusive VIP area to watch the acts.
Due to the limited number of tickets available, anyone interested is advised to sign up in advance. Signups will be among the first to hear the line-up and will also be first in line to access early bird tickets and exclusive VIP or VVIP packages.
Those interested can sign up at opulence-events.com