The full line-up has been announced for this year’s Mouth of the Tyne Festival in Tynemouth (6-9 July).
The bumper programme features alternative rockers Elbow, singer songwriters Tom Odell and Laura Marling, and British music legend Billy Ocean – all performing shows at Tynemouth Priory and Castle.
Visitors to the festival can see international street entertainers, take part in life sized video games and, for the first time, there is a classic VW Campervan rally featuring around 30 iconic campers, surf buses and Beetles from across the region.
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “With less than two weeks till the festival kicks off we know that many people are looking forward to a fantastic weekend.
“There will be lots to see and do and of course we’re welcoming some of the UK’s biggest names in music to North Tyneside as usual.”
The Mouth of the Tyne Festival is organised by North Tyneside Council and supported by Engie, Port of Tyne, Tyne Met College and Kier.
Andrew Moffat, Port of Tyne Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Port of Tyne is proud to continue its support for the Mouth of The Tyne Festival.
“The festival is set to bring thousands of visitors to North Tyneside from across the country and beyond, providing the opportunity to showcase our rich heritage and diverse culture.”
Elbow’s show sold out in days and is now one of the most anticipated concerts of the summer. Laura Marling wowed the crowds with a beautiful set on the main stage at Glastonbury and excitement is building for her Tynemouth appearance. Only a handful of tickets remain for Tom Odell and Billy Ocean’s Priory shows.
Concert-goers will be treated to amazing food from some of the region’s best independent street food traders with the emphasis on local produce.
The Festival also features must-see shows in smaller seaside venues.
Ian Hunter, leader of 70’s rock legends Mott the Hoople, performs at Playhouse Whitley Bay. The ‘All the Young Dudes’ singer will be accompanied by his Rant Band on Monday 3rd July.
Canadian-American folk-rock singer Martha Wainwright performs at the same venue on Saturday 8th July.
The Surf Cafe in Tynemouth was recently voted by the public as the best music venue in the region. Roddy Woomble, the frontman of Scottish indie giants Idlewild, plays a sold-out show there on Saturday 8th July.
The following night, a special BBC Introducing event with free entry showcases emerging regional artists. The line-up features Avalanche Party, Ani Sandwith, Imogen and Sam Fender.
International street entertainers including acrobats, comedians and aerial artists will perform in Tynemouth Front Street over the weekend and there’s the return of the popular jazz stage.
Tynemouth Station will host fun, interactive sessions for under 5s and their parents. There’ll be music performances and a giant interactive video game installation will see hundreds of people across the weekend be a part of some much-loved arcade classics
The festival, now in its thirteenth year, has welcomed a vast range of artists to North Tyneside including James Bay, Paul Weller, Will Young, The Script and James Morrison.
For more information see www.mouthofthetynefestival.com or follow the official page on Facebook.
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Photo attached: Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Norma Redfearn and Andrew Moffat, Chief Executive Officer at Port of Tyne, with a classic VW campervan in front of Tynemouth Priory and Castle ahead of the Mouth of the Tyne Festival.