MIDGE URE & NICK HEYWARD ADDED TO SUNDAY CONCERTS

MIDGE URE AND NICK HEYWARD TO PLAY BENTS PARK THIS SUMMER

MUSIC FANS CAN see two of the biggest names of the 80s for free when they head to the North East this summer.

The South Tyneside Festival’s Sunday concerts return in July, organised by South Tyneside Council, with a star-studded line-up set to entertain fans over four shows.

And organisers have announced that Midge Ure and former Haircut One Hundred frontman Nick Heyward will be performing their respective hits on the Bents Park stage at the third show on 28 July.

Midge Ure is best known for being the frontman of Ultravox and for his part in the world-famous Band Aid single and subsequent Live Aid and Live 8 concerts.

Widely regarded as one of the seminal artists of the 70s and 80s, the multi-award winning singer-songwriter has also enjoyed huge success as a solo artist, with his latest album Orchestrated reaching a top ten position on the Amazon UK chart.

“I really enjoy being in the North East and its always fun to play at an outdoor event, especially in the summer,” said Midge, who last performed at the event in 2006.

“I had a great time performing for the South Shields crowd last time I was there and I can’t wait to be back in July.”

Also taking to the stage at the third concert is Nick Heyward, who found fame as the frontman of Haircut One Hundred and previously performed at Bents Park during the 2003 series.

Nick released four top ten singles with the new wave band, including Love Plus One and Fantastic Day, before leaving in 1982 to embark on a successful solo career.

He has enjoyed a number of chart successes over more than three decades, with his debut album North of a Miracle reaching a top ten position and he recently released an album titled Woodland Echoes.

“I’m delighted to be returning to Bents Park as part of the line-up for this year’s South Tyneside Festival,” said Nick.

“The concerts have a brilliant atmosphere and it’s certain to be an amazing afternoon.”

The concerts are free to attend but music fans who want to guarantee a prime position to see their favourite performer can upgrade to a Priority Plus ticket.

Priced at £6, the tickets allow early access to the park and access to a dedicated bar and toilets but only a limited number are available and they must be bought in advance.

Councillor Ken Stephenson, Mayor of South Tyneside, is sure the musicians will be a big hit with fans.

“Midge Ure and Nick Heyward produced some of the greatest songs of the 80s and it is fantastic news that they will be performing at the third concert,” said Councillor Stephenson.

“We have some incredible artists lined up for this year’s shows and with this line-up, I am sure it will be one of the best years we have ever had.”

This year’s Sunday concerts are supported by BBC Newcastle 95.4FM and sponsored by Port of Tyne, Colmans Seafood Temple, South Tyneside College and The Sea Hotel.

Marti Pellow and Gabrielle have been announced as headliners for the concerts on 14 July and 4 August, with more acts to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the shows are available to buy now from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/southtynesidefestival or by calling 0844 844 0444.

They can also be purchased in person at Shop @ The Word in Market Place, South Shields.

For more information and full listings visit: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk or follow the social media accounts on Twitter @stynesideevents and Facebook /southtynesideevents.