MUSIC FANS can enjoy a line-up of top stars for free this summer, thanks to support from the Port of Tyne.
The Port is back on board with the South Tyneside Festival, returning to sponsor the Sunday concert series for the seventh year in a row.
And the popular shows start up again next week (14 July) bringing four weeks of star-studded free entertainment to South Shields’ Bents Park.
Kicking off the concerts on 14 July is former Wet Wet Wet star Marti Pellow, with support from new band New Rules and local group The Good Souls, before rock band the Lightning Seeds take to the stage on 21 July.
They will be joined by multi-platinum duo, Phats and Small, who are back by popular demand after their performance at last year’s series prompted calls for their return, and support from The Understudies.
On 28 July music fans can hear the hits of the 80s with headliners Midge Ure and Nick Heyward and support from The Breakfast Club, who will be covering hits from the decade.
Closing the concerts on 4 August is award-winning singer-songwriter Gabrielle, best known for her 1993 hit Dreams, with support from seven-piece funk soul band, GrooveTrain.
Matt Beeton, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Tyne, said: “We’re delighted to support the South Tyneside Summer Festival again this year.
“More than 64,000 people visited the borough for the Sunday concert series last year and we hope our assistance will enable even more to come along this year, supporting local businesses and helping our community to thrive.”
Councillor Alan Kerr, Lead Member for Culture and Leisure at South Tyneside Council, is delighted that Port of Tyne is backing the festival.
“We are very grateful to Port of Tyne for their continued support over the years, which helps us organise a packed programme for all ages to enjoy,” he said.
“There is an excellent line-up heading to Bents Park next month and I am looking forward to seeing both the big names and local acts taking to the stage over the four shows.”
The concerts are free to attend, however there are a limited number of Priority Plus tickets available priced at £6 each, which allow early entry to the park and access to a dedicated bar and toilets area.
The South Tyneside Festival is organised by South Tyneside Council and also supported by BBC Newcastle 95.4FM, Colmans Seafood Temple, South Tyneside College and The Sea Hotel.
Tickets for all of the shows are available to buy now from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/southtynesidefestival or by calling 0844 844 0444.
They can also be purchased in person at Shop @ The Word in Market Place, South Shields.
For more information and full listings visit: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk or follow the social media accounts on Twitter @stynesideevents and Facebook /southtynesideevents.