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The latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside is out. Request your own free 33 page copy of the guide when you book online on our website.

Here is an extract from the latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside…

Get ready… a series of stellar Sunday Concerts from a galaxy of stars will take over Bents Park on South Shields seafront during summer 2017, as part of the South Tyneside Festival.

The festival has become well-known for transforming some of South Tyneside’s most treasured public spaces into fantastic outdoor gig spaces for some of the world’s best-loved performers, and this year is no different. As well as the stunning Summer Parade, family fun days and plenty else, the open-air concerts at Bents Park promise a fun — and free — way to spend those lazy, hazy summer afternoons.

Bents Park will come to life as some of the world’s most dynamic and famous musicians descend on South Tyneside, making memories that won’t easily be forgotten.

KT Tunstall first burst onto the music scene in 2004, making her name for her energetic live performances, and will be opening the Sunday Concert series this year on 9th July. “I love performing live and I really enjoy playing open air concerts, so it’s something I am really looking forward to,” she says.

Early-2000’s pop group Busted have reformed. They’ll be performing all their classics – plus songs from their new album – at Bents Park on 16th July. “We can’t wait to come to South Shields this summer to headline this exciting event,” they say. “We always get a fantastic reception whenever we play the North East and we can’t wait to come back.”

X Factor’s Louisa Johnson will be joined by Jedward and 5 After Midnight on 23rd July as they bring some stardust to South Tyneside. The winner of the 2015 series of the TV talent competition will be visiting South Shields for the first time. “I’ve heard great things about the North East audiences,” she says, “so I hope we can give them a day to remember.”

Disco divas Sister Sledge will be ensuring that the Sunday Concert series ends with a bang and a boogie as they headline the last event, on 30th July. “We have performed in the North East a few times over the years and we can’t wait to come back as the audiences are always wonderful,” they say. “We are looking forward to getting the “family” of South Tyneside Lost in Music at this fantastic open air concert.”

If you want to ensure you’re in prime position for these headline performers, you can buy Priority Access Tickets for the Sunday Concerts. At just £5 per person – with under-fives free – these tickets guarantee access into the concert, with the chance to arrive earlier to secure your spot.

You’ll still be able to get into the gigs on the day for free, but Priority Access Tickets ensure your entry for what are always popular events. Tickets are limited and available up to seven days before the concert from Ticketmaster online or by calling 0844 844 0444 or in person at the Shop @ The Word.

It’s not just Bents Park that’ll be rocking this summer, though: for those classically-minded music fans, South Marine Park plays host to Proms in the Park on Sunday 2nd July, while you can sing along to bands from around the area every Saturday from 15th July to 2nd September (excluding 26th August). The Seafront Amphitheatre’s stage will be home to live music every Thursday and Saturday evening from 1st – 24th June, while brass bands will trumpet the joys of South Tyneside every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer. From 1st – 24th August on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there’ll be something for the next generation, with a Kids Fun-Fest at the Amphitheatre, where the whole family can sit back and enjoy an afternoon of games and activities with enthralling entertainers and performers.

Away from the Summerlong South Tyneside Festival, there’s plenty happening around the area, with something for everyone. Highlights include the monthly Pepperpot Craft Fayre on the first Sunday of the month in South Shields’ Market Square, and the Great North Feast at Bents Park on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Restaurant Week arrives from 7th – 14th October, and you can explore a little more of the area’s history as part of the Heritage Open Days from 7th – 10th September, the last day of which coincides with the Great North Run. Then there are the famous fireworks displays, lighting up the skies over South Shields seafront on 5th November at 6.30pm and 8pm.

Laughter lovers can enjoy the South Tyneside Comedy Festival from 1st July – 6th August, while literature fans will want to mark down 21st — 25th June in their diaries – that’s when the WRITE Festival arrives at The Word. And just because the nights will draw in, it doesn’t mean the excitement will be over: you’ll remember remember 5th November for its Fireworks Display, while the Christmas Wonderland will take over South Tyneside from mid-November. We can’t wait!

Here is a short South Tyneside tourism video to watch while you wait for your booking confirmation email to arrive…

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Friday 19th June 2026, 12:07 BST
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