Sting & Sam Fender throw more support behind North Shields music event with a new date added

Scotland’s Gerry Cinna-Man Experience now heads to Tyneside on June 7th

The buzz surrounding upcoming charity music event The Strangest Party has reached fever pitch as Saturday’s tickets for the Salt Market Social-based bash have now completely sold out, prompting organisers to add a second date to the bill. Friday, June 7th, will now feature a stellar lineup headlined by none other than The Gerry Cinna-man Experience.

Fueled by the electric demand from fans eager to immerse themselves in a day of live music for a noble cause, The Strangest Party promises to be an unmissable event. The event will be paying tribute to North Shields singer, producer and recording studio owner Martin O’Nions, who tragically lost his life last year to cancer.

Set against the backdrop of North Shields’ fish quay, the now two-day music festival is not just about the music; it’s about making a difference with all proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust, making every note played, every drop drank and every step danced a part of something much bigger.

Sting said today: “I’m delighted to hear that an extra date has been added to The Strangest Party. It’s for such a worthy cause and a fitting tribute to a great man. I’m proud of my niece and her friends for their hard work in making this happen and bringing together the generous community of North Shields and Tyneside for what should be a memorable weekend.” 

Fellow event supporter Sam Fender, adds: “Marty meant a lot to so many people – I’m not surprised Saturday sold out so quickly. The added date is a great opportunity for people to come together and support an important cause”

“We wanted to put on a music event in honour of local music maestro Marty O’Nions who sadly passed away recently,” explains event organiser Jeri Marie Sumner, niece of Sting. “Marty, who ran Notes music studio, was a huge help and inspiration to so many people in the North Tyneside music scene and we wanted to pay tribute to him with an event we know he’d approve of.”

Friday night’s lineup boasts the irresistible charm of the aforementioned Gerry Cinna-man Experience, the UK’s premier tribute to the iconic Gerry Cinnamon. Gary Digan, the mastermind behind the mic, is renowned for his captivating live performances, blending upbeat acoustic guitars, soulful harmonica, and heartfelt vocals. With anthemic sing-along tracks and clever loop pedal harmonies, Digan promises to whip the fish quay crowd into a frenzy.

Joining The Gerry Cinnamon Experience are Texan blues, soul, and R&B sensations Alive ‘N’ Kickin’, delivering a high-energy performance complete with live brass and all the trimmings. And let’s not forget about The National Anthems, the UK’s leading Britpop tribute band who will serenade the audience with acoustic renditions of indie hits from the ’90s, ensuring a night of nostalgia and toe-tapping fun before unleashing a full band performance the following night.

Other acts already announced and performing on the Saturday night include Blor, the ultimate Blur tribute band. With their uncanny resemblance to Damon Albarn’s iconic gang, the Sunderland quartet promise to have you singing, swaying, and reminiscing about those heady, halcyon days of old.

From the screen to the stage, local singer-songwriter Geoff Mull is set to dazzle with his extraordinary vocal prowess. A standout contestant from Teenage Kicks in 2011 and a memorable participant on ITV’s X-Factor in 2014, Mull became a well-known name in the music scene, winning 2 UBEAT Music Awards and a Best Male Solo Artist gong at the NEA in 2020 and 2021. 

In honour of Marty, the local music maestros’ former band, Revolver, will also be joining the lineup for a special one-off show. Known for their dedicated work ethic and eclectic musical influences ranging from Sting/Police, Michael Hutchins/INXS and Bono/U2 to Spacehog, Cheap Trick and Hootie and the Blowfish, the Tyneside rockers look set to do their fallen frontman proud with a crowd-pleasing set of classic and alternative rock.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The Strangest Party has something for everyone, from the electrifying performances on stage to a unique exhibition of vintage cars, exclusive prize auctions, raffles, and delectable street food and craft beverages from local producers including MEDHEAD, Acropolis and artisan ice cream purveyors Tony’s Ices.

So, get ready to rock out, raise money, and experience the unique magic of The Strangest Party!

Tickets for the Friday 7th June or now on sale for just £12.50 plus booking fee. Head to: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/xbtjtef4/the-strangest-party-friday