Two of the biggest names in British music are heading back to South Tyneside by popular demand.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Feeling will both be performing in a free concert at Bents Park, South Shields on Sunday July 26 as part of the South Tyneside Festival 2015.
Sophie, who is currently working on her sixth studio album, first appeared at the Festival in 2011 and wowed the crowd with a string of hits, including Take Me Home, Murder on the Dancefloor and Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love), which she recorded with Spiller.
This time, as well as showcasing many of her hit singles, Sophie will also be performing tracks from her latest album, Wanderlust, which reached number four in the UK charts when it was released last year.
The mother of three will be joined for the open air concert by her husband, bassist Richard Jones and his group, The Feeling.
The Brit award nominated rock band, who first performed at the South Tyneside Festival in 2012, has released four albums, including chart topper Join With Us and debut smash, Twelve Stops and Home.
These have spawned a host of hit singles, including infectious anthems, Fill My Little World, Never Be Lonely and Love it When You Call.
The concert, being co-headlined by Sophie and The Feeling, is one of four, consecutive Sunday gigs taking place at Bents Park, as part of the South Tyneside Festival 2015.
Event organisers, South Tyneside Council, have already revealed that Billy Ocean will perform on July 19, with full details forJuly 12 yet to be announced.
The final concert in the series, aptly entitled North East Stars, will feature appearances by X Factor winner Joe McElderry, Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro and X Factor finalist Lola Saunders.
Other highlights taking place as part of the annual three month event include a Summer Fayre in Bents Park on June 27, a spectacular Alice in Wonderland themed parade through South Shields on July 4 and Proms in the Park on Sunday July 5.
There will also be live music at the open air amphitheatre every Thursday and Saturday during June, brass band performances every Sunday afternoon throughout June, July and August, Kids Fun Fest children parties on Tuesdays andThursday from July 18 to August 20 and Harton Quays Park Craft Markets on the first Sunday of the month from June to September.
All of these events are free to attend.
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Fay Cunningham said: “Sophie Ellis Bextor and The Feeling are two of the biggest names in British music and fantastic additions to our bumper South Tyneside Festival line-up.
“Both acts were extremely well received on their previous appearances and I’m sure they’ll receive an even warmer reception when they return by popular demand this year.”
For more information and full listings for the South Tyneside Festival 2015 go to www.southtyneside.info/festival, search for South Tyneside events on Facebook, follow STynesideEvents on Twitter or call visitor Information on 0191 424 7788.