Newcastle United issue Sam Fender warning ahead of historic sell-out gig double-header

Sam Fender’s two huge headline shows at St James Park will be taking place this weekend with thousands of fans expected to descend on Newcastle for some of the biggest shows of the North Shields local’s career so far.

The two shows, which will take place on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 were announced back in September 2022 and sold out almost instantly. Fender will also become the first Geordie to play a headline set at the home of Newcastle United.

With the shows edging closer, the football club has released advice for anyone travelling to Newcastle as well as anyone expected to be in the area over the two nights of live music.

A statement on the club’s website says: “With separate music events at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, including a show running concurrently with Sam Fender's second night on Saturday 10th June - the first time such events have taken place on the same evening – concert organisers, local authorities and regional partners have worked closely together to implement a comprehensive regional plan.”

All members of the public are advised to only make essential journeys on:

• Friday, June 9 after 4pm on public transport and roads in and around Newcastle
• Saturday, June 10 from 2pm on public transport and roads in and around Newcastle and Sunderland

Ticket holders with 'pitch standing' tickets have also advised to arrive early as there will be increased security measures in place.

Attendees are advised that food and drink must not be taken into the stadium from outside. A full list of banned items has also been made available.

For security and speed of access, ticket holders are also asked not bring bags to the concert unless necessary. If needed, they should be no larger than 30cm by 30cm.

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Travel advice has also been issued with the statement claiming: “anyone intending to travel to Newcastle or Sunderland city centres on concerts days is advised to plan well in advance and allow extra time for journeys. Public transport passengers are likely to experience long queues and extremely busy public transport services.

"Drivers are urged to avoid roads close to Newcastle and Sunderland city centres on concert days. If journeys by road are necessary, drivers should park at a reasonable distance from event locations using established car parks.

“Those who can walk to and from city centre locations are strongly advised to do so.

“Although additional public transport services will be in operation after the concerts, there will be changes to station entry points and some services will terminate at suburban interchanges to allow for onward journeys.

Metro travel

Stations across Newcastle and Sunderland will be closed across parts of the weekend to assist with crowd control across the Metro system.

A full list of closed stations was made available when plans were first put in place.

Anyone travelling towards South Hylton or South Hylton is advised to make their way to Gateshead where they can get on regular Metro services. Shuttle buses to Gateshead interchange will be available across both nights.

The full list of shuttle buses available after the gigs are:

• Bus SF1 – Stops on Blackett Street (stop number 08nc108). Stopping only at Gosforth High Street/Brandling Arms, Regent Centre Interchange, Fawdon Mormon Church and Kingston Park Metro
• Bus SF2 – Stops on St Mary’s Place (stop number 08nc76). Stopping only at South Gosforth roundabout, Longbenton shops, Benton cemetery, Forest Hall shops, Palmersville Metro and Cramlington Manor Walks
• Bus SF3 stops on Market Street (stop number 08nc68). Stopping only at Gateshead Interchange, Low Fell The Cannon and Chester-le-Street Red Lion

These buses will begin operating from 9:40pm.