S Tyneside Summer Festival

May 19 2007 By The Evening Chronicle

Aussie superstar Jason Donovan is among the performers coming to Tyneside for a summer festival.

This year's South Tyneside Summer Festival is set to attract thousands of people with a host of top-name stars and free entertainment for the whole family.

The annual event kicks off next month with a series of live music performances at the Amphitheatre on Sea Road, South Shields.

Former Squeeze front man Chris Difford, Doctor and The Medics, The Zombies featuring Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone, The Peter Donegan Band and the Mods, will feature in the line-up.

Performances will take place on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the month, starting on June 7.

The carnival-inspired Cookson Parade and Summer Fair will entertain the crowds on July 7, with the procession winding its way from South Shields Town Hall to Bents Park.

The free open-air Sunday concerts will see a superb season with something to suit all musical tastes including international headliner Jason Donovan who will take to the stage on July 29.

The concert season ends with a pop spectacular on August 5, featuring Liz McClarnon from Atomic Kitten, the X-Factor's Ben Mills, Katrina Leskanich, The Sheilas and Nylon.

Coun Jim Sewell, South Tyneside Council's lead member for culture and wellbeing, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to attract such big names once again for this year's line-up, especially Jason Donovan who is a massive coup for us.

"There is a great mix of events and entertainment for all the family and the best thing of all is that everything is free. We look forward to seeing thousands of people having a fantastic time this summer in South Tyneside."