Around 14,000 people turned out on Sunday (24 July) to see Tony Hadley go through a huge repertoire of hits – including Spandau Ballet favourites True, Gold and To Cut A Long Story Short – in the third of this year’s free concerts.
The singer was the headliner at the event at Bents Park, but at one point shared the stage with Andy Hutchison, the lead singer of support act 4 Worried Men, to sing a duet.
And he also praised South Tyneside for organising the free event.
“There’s not many places in the UK that do this kind of thing,” he said.
“So it’s great to see it happening in South Tyneside.”
This was a return visit for the singer, who last appeared at the festival a decade ago.
His appearance follows two highly successful concerts over the past weeks, with the final show featuring reggae and pop band, UB40, taking place this Sunday (31 July).
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said he was delighted that people had turned out in force, despite the rain.
“It was fantastic to see such a great turnout for such an amazing singer,” he said.
“This really is turning into one of the strongest line ups we have ever had for the festival and it is bound to end on a real high with the performance by UB40.”
This year’s concerts are sponsored by Zeera Indian restaurant and takeaway, Colmans fish and chips, Port of Tyne and NCS (National Citizen Service) and in partnership with BBC Newcastle 95.4FM.
The final concert is likely to be a full house once again so anyone attending is advised to arrive early before the gates open at 1pm.