Will Young and Ella Henderson to headline FREE South Tyneside Festival this summer

The latest blockbuster addition to the North East's summer calendar has arrived as plans for the South Tyneside Festival have been confirmed.

Four weekends of free events will take place at Bents Park this July featuring stars such as Will Young and Ella Henderson.

As well as the big names, the festival will include more traditional music-based and community-led events.

The South Tyneside Festival will kick off in June with live music at the amphitheatre and music in the bandstand.

A carnival celebrating colour, dance and music will then take place on Saturday, July 2.

The next day will be the much-loved Proms in the Park.

All eyes will be on the big names taking to the park when July comes around.

Pop Idol star Will Young will be bringing the hits on Sunday, July 10.

The 'Evergreen' singer will be followed a week later by The X Factor's Ella Henderson on Sunday, July 17.

The songstress is known for big vocals and pop hits, having also released a critically acclaimed album earlier this year.

A Dance Revival show featuring Whigfield, Phats & Small, D:ream, Kelly Llorenna and Sonique will then take place on Sunday, July 24 and SHALAMAR will headline on Sunday, July 31.

Entry is free for everyone with doors opening at approximately 12 noon.

There is an option to purchase Priority Plus tickets which cost £6 and give guaranteed earlier access into the park and access to exclusive bars.

Those tickets go on sale at 9 am on Tuesday, March 22.

A calendar of Kids Fun Fest and Summer Parks Entertainment will then follow in Bents Park throughout August.

The festival has space to accommodate up to 20,000 people.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “Every year, the three-month long South Tyneside festival is hugely popular event in the Borough’s calendar and attracts thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond.

“We are looking forward to people of all ages enjoying our free programme of live music from well-known acts and local performers, children’s entertainment, street performers and much more.

“Once again we are very excited to be bringing back the festival’s key highlights including our popular Sunday Concerts with its chart-topping hits and cult classics and the spectacular Summer Parade featuring the wonderful people in our communities.

“We are urging people to save the dates in their diary to ensure they don’t miss out on the fabulous programme of events and to join us in making this year’s festival a one to remember after what has been a difficult period for everyone. South Tyneside will be the place to be this summer.”

You can find out more about the festival on the official site here.