Ah, lovely. Summer in South Tyneside means Festival time. The living ain’t necessarily easy, so thank you to the people of South Tyneside who have elected a council which brings us happiness for free, and along with the locals invites folk around the North East to join them. This is generosity (and a lot of organisation) to lift our spirits and be inspired.
Beginning on 1 June, the festival runs throughout June, July, and August with free concerts from a whole wonderful musical host of artists, among the Stars are Jason Donovan, Bjorn Again, The Vamps and Henry Moodie, Boyzlife (Brian McFadden from Westlife and Keith Duffy from Boyzone).
To begin: Open-air concerts
A series of open-air concerts, every Thursday and Saturday evenings in June, start on June 1st at the Sandhaven Amphitheatre, Sea Road in South Shields. This live music is delivered in partnership with North East based agency Generator; working with musicians, artists, and creatives, and helping them to reach their full potential.
Concerts all run 19.00 – 21.00
Thursday 1 June Generator Live presents: Jamilah and Cam Lyell
Saturday 3 June The Good Souls and Holly Goodwin
Thursday 8 June Generator Live presents: Dilutey Juice and Ceramic
Saturday 10 June Drive Thru and Swamp Donkeys
Thursday 15 June Generator Live presents: Hivemind and Sarah Johnsone
Saturday 17 June Generator Live presents: The Gatecrashers
Thursday 22 June Camel Island and The Marigolds
Saturday 24 June Generator Live presents: India Arkin and Chintzy Stetson
Thursday 29 June special concert: Students from South Tyneside College
Then an extra concert on Wednesday 12 July 12 Different Voices in Harmony
Next come: Sunday concerts
Throughout July some of the musical action moves to the Town’s Bents Park, where the annual, free, Sunday Concerts which always draw huge crowds begin on 9 July.
Concerts all run 12.00 – 17.00
Sunday 9 July The Vamps and Henry Moodie
Sunday 16 July Jason Donovan
Sunday 23 July Bjorn Again
Sunday 30 July Boyzlife
More music, and other delights
The annual Summer Parade Weekend is on Saturday (13.00 – 17.00) and Sunday (12.00 – 15.00) 1 and 2July is a joyful sight to be seen, and financially supported by Arts Council England.
Enjoy classical performances featuring South Tyneside Orchestra and guest singers at an open-air concert in Bents Park, South Shields on Sunday 2 July, (15.30 – 17.30).
The festival brings us another Brass Band season this summer. Every Sunday afternoon at Sandhaven Amphitheatre, on the promenade beside the beach, between 4 June and 27 August (except 2 July). Please check the website for times. The Bands are: Westoe Brass Band, People’s Mission Silver band, Bear Park and Esh Band, Whickham Wind, South Tyneside Music Service Senior band, North East Concert Band, Cockerton Band, Bright Street Big Band, Houghton Big Band, and Off Key Music.
South Shields’ Seafront Amphitheatre offers Free Fun Fest for children, with afternoons of games and activities with a host of amazing performers and entertainers.
Times and dates for Kids Fun Fest:
Tuesday 1 August 14.00 – 16.00
Thursday 3 August 14.00 – 16.00
Tuesday 8 August 14.00 – 16.00
Every Saturday from 22 July to 2 September (except 26 August), sing along to all your favourite tunes with a sparkling array of local bands in the Victorian bandstand at South Marine Park.
Concerts all run 14.00 – 16.00
Saturday 22 July Four Worried Men
Saturday 29 July The Gaslighters
Saturday 5 August Cats Night Out
Saturday 12tAugust City Road Survivors
Saturday 19 August Barely Human
Saturday 2 September Guilty Pleasures
Something for everyone at the festival
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor John McCabe is right, he said
“The live music programme is always really varied so there is something to suit all musical tastes, and of course the open-air seaside setting adds to the atmosphere.”
The wide range of sponsors who support this wonderful event are to be congratulated. As well as Arts Council England, among them are: the Port of Tyne, Mincella & Co., Colmans, Ramside Event Catering, Ocean Beach Pleasure Beach, and Metro Radio and Greatest Hits.
You can follow South Tyneside Events on social media: Facebook (South Tyneside Events), and on Twitter @STynesideEvents. For more information and updates keep checking the Festival website, it has confetti animation you can stop and start; cute eh?
