A trio of X factor favourites are leading the way for a summer of free entertainment in the North East.
Alexandra Burke, Ben Haenow and Reggie ‘n’ Bollie will all perform live at Bents Park, South Shields on Sunday July 10.
This special, outdoor gig will be the first in a series of four consecutive Sunday Concerts taking place as part of the South Tyneside Festival 2016, with more big name acts still to be announced.
Alexandra, who is currently touring the UK as leading lady in acclaimed musical, The Bodyguard, first rose to fame after winning the fifth series of ITV talent show, The X Factor in 2008.
She currently stands as one of the show’s most successful winners, selling over four million records in the UK alone and has enjoyed a string of hits including Hallelujah, Bad Boys and Broken Heels.
In May 2015 Alexandra released her self-funded EP Renegade to critical acclaim, with a new album scheduled for release next year. In the meantime she is enjoying a successful theatre career and will be taking on the lead role in the musical, Sister Act, from August 2016. She has also recently been announced as new ambassador for weight loss brand, Slim Fast
“I’ve performed in the North East a number of times as a singer and actress,” said Alexandra, “and I’m really looking forward to returning for this amazing summer event.”
Alexandra will take to the stage in Bents Park on July 10, alongside fellow X Factor champion, Ben Haenow and runner ups, Reggie ‘n’ Bollie.
Ben, who released his debut album late last year, stormed to victory on the eleventh series of the show in 2014 and topped the UK charts with his winner’s single Something I Need.
The following year fan favourites Reggie ‘n’ Bollie claimed second place in the singing competition, after being mentored in the group’s category by former X Factor judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.
All three acts will be performing in the first Sunday Concert of the South Tyneside Festival 2016, with more top talent being announced for the subsequent performances (July 17, 24 and 31) in the coming days.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The South Tyneside Festival is a huge event for music fans across the UK, offering them the chance to see amazing artists performing live and free of charge.
“We’re extremely excited that Alexandra, Ben and Reggie ‘n’ Bollie will be kickstarting the festival’s Sunday Concert series this year and will be adding more fantastic names to the line-up very shortly.”
The Sunday Concert series, sponsored by Zeera Indian restaurant and takeaway, Port of Tyne, Colmans fish and chips and NCS (National Citizen Service) and run in partnership with BBC Newcastle 95.4FM, is one of the most popular aspects of the South Tyneside Festival, annually attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the North East and further afield.
Other highlights in this year’s festival, organised by South Tyneside Council, include a Maritime Mayhem-themed parade on July 2, live music at the open-air Amphitheatre twice weekly in June and Kids fun Fest parties throughout August.
For more information and full listings www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk or call the South Tyneside Visitor Information Centre on 0191 424 7788. You can also stay up to date with all the latest announcements by searching for South Tyneside Events on Facebook or following STynesideEvents on Twitter.