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A host of music stars originally due to perform at this year's South Tyneside Festival are set to return as concerts are rescheduled for next summer's music extravaganza.  

Artists Will Young, Ella Henderson, The South, Shalamar and The Fizz will take to the Bents Park stage for next year's series of open-air Sunday Concerts, after the much-loved festival was stood down this year due to coronavirus.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick said: "The South Tyneside Festival is one of the best-loved events in the Borough's events calendar. We know that, like us, people will be hugely disappointed that the Sunday Concerts are not going ahead this year. It is the right decision due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

"However, we are thrilled that the artists are on board for next year's shows and we can now look forward to joining them next summer for a real celebration of music packed with chart-topping hits and cult classics."

The South Tyneside Festival - an annual three-month programme of family-friendly entertainment - was due to take place over June, July and August. As well as the four free Sunday Concerts, key elements of the festival include the Summer Parade, Proms in the Park, Kids Fun-fest, brass bands and live music at The Amphitheatre.

Although all artists originally scheduled have been rebooked for next year, Ella Henderson and The South will now perform on the same bill on Sunday 11 July 2021.

Will Young will take to the stage on Sunday 18 July 2021and Shalamar and The Fizz will close the Sunday Concert series on Sunday 1 August 2021.

Details of the Sunday 25 July 2021 concert will be announced in due course.

The Mayor said: "Our small team of events staff have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to reschedule as much as possible for 2021. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.

"As we continue to develop next year's programme, we look forward to welcoming music lovers back to the Borough for a fabulous summer of entertainment in 2021. We are keen to make it a one to remember."

Admission to all four concerts remains free of charge to attend, but a limited number of Priority Plus tickets are available for £6. These guarantee earlier entry to events and access to dedicated bar serveries and toilets.

Priority Plus ticket can be purchased through Ticketmaster .Under fives are admitted free with a ticket-holding adult.

Priority Plus Tickets already purchased for performances this year will remain valid for the artists' rescheduled dates in 2021. Those who have purchased tickets for the 2020 concerts are encouraged to retain their tickets for the 2021 dates wherever possible.

However, the Council acknowledges that there may be instances where people may not be able to attend the rescheduled dates and require a refund.

Where tickets were purchased through Ticketmaster, please contact Ticketmaster direct for a refund.

Where tickets were purchased from Shop @ The Word in South Shields, please email the Events Team at events@southtyneside.gov.uk or leave a message on (0191) 424 7985 to be kept informed of procedures on how to return tickets. The Word remains closed at this time. Applications for refunds will be available until 30 November 2020, after which refunds will unfortunately not be accepted.

For further information about South Tyneside Festival visit  or follow on social media: Facebook (South Tyneside Events) or Twitter @stynesideevents.