South Tyneside Out to Look for The Next! Big Thing

Peformers from across the North East are putting themselves centre stage, thanks to a top summer festival's plans to showcase the region's talent.

This Is South Tyneside Festival brings together a packed programme of entertainment, featuring big name artists, brass bands and activities for all the family.

And now musicians are taking up the opportunity to feature in live music sessions at South Shields Amphitheatre throughout June - with the additional chance to appear live at one of the Sunday Concerts at Bents Park this summer.

The Amphitheatre programme will feature the very best of local bands, choirs and singers at special sessions on 5,7,14 and 19 June, under the umbrella title The NEXT! Big Thing (North East EXtraordinary Talent).

Each showcase event will run from 7pm to 9pm.

On 12 June the Amphitheatre will also play host to South Tyneside College Music Showcase, while The Pistoleros take to the stage on 21 June, followed by Different Voices in Harmony on 26 June and The Moobs on 28 June.

More than 100 applications have been received from a wide range of singers, groups, bands and choirs to perform as part of the Amphitheatre Live Music programme's NEXT! Big Thing showcase.

Those acts shortlisted to play the Amphitheatre and their performance dates will be announced in due course on the This is South Tyneside Festival website www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

Following their performances in June, selected musicians will then be invited to kick off the Sunday Concert series in Bents Park on 13 July and play to a packed crowd of thousands, appearing on stage alongside acts including Sonny Tennet, Cortney Dixon, Patrick Gosling and Drum Young.

Some other successful performers will be invited to support the main headliners in the subsequent Sunday Concerts on 20 and 27 July and 3 August.

Councillor Judith Taylor, Lead Member for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy at South Tyneside Council said NEXT! Big Thing was a great opportunity for regional musical talent to showcase their prowess.

"The NEXT! Big Thing is a brilliant way for any musician to get the experience of playing in a great venue before a live audience," she said. "We would like to thank everyone who has applied to perform in the Amphitheatre programme and will be updating the line-up shortly.

"The fact that there is also the chance to play at Bents Park on our legendary Sunday Concert stage is a real bonus.

"The Sunday Concerts have attracted some incredible names and music icons over the years so the chance for a newcomer to play on that same stage is one not to be missed.

"We know that the North East is a hotbed of musical talent so we can't wait to see who takes part."

The amphitheatre will also be staging performances by the very best brass bands from across the region throughout June, July and August on most Sunday afternoons.

Further information about The NEXT! Big thing and the full concert programme can be found at www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk or follow South Tyneside Events on social media: Facebook (South Tyneside Events) and on X @STynesideEvents.