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Mystery star heads summer line-up
A POP marathon, one of the country's top tribute acts and an international mystery star will arrive in South Tyneside this summer for a music extravaganza.
The third Summer Festival runs from June until August, with the open air concerts the main attraction.
Sunday gigs kick off on July 8 for four weeks of family fun and frolics with tribute act the Bootleg Beatles.
The band, formed from the West End cast of Broadway musical Beatlemania, have become the most successful tribute act to the Fab Four.
They have performed to audiences across the world, and are also playing this year's Glastonbury Festival in June.
After the main stage takes a week break for the third Mouth of the Tyne Festival, 1970s pop legends 10CC appear on July 22.
Although the band split in 1976, original member Graham Gouldman has continued to perform under the name, playing some of their biggest hits including Rubber Bullets and I'm Not in Love.
10CC featuring Graham Gouldman and friends will be supported by north-east rock band Tadpole Pie on the main stage in Bents Park.
Then it's all eyes centre stage on July 29 as South Tyneside plays host to a big name in the world of music, with organisers promising it to be an afternoon to remember.
The Gazette knows the identity of the mystery international pop icon, but is keeping quiet until the ink dries on the contract.
However, we will exclusively reveal all on Monday.
The summer line-up heats up on August 5 with X Factor finalist Ben Mills, who came third in the hit ITV1 show last year.
Mills has landed a recording contract of his own. Alongside some of the classics he performed on the show and the arena tour, he will also showcase new material with his band.
Former Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon will also take to the stage with her own blend of fresh summery sounds.
McClarnon, 26, who had three number ones with the Liverpool girl group six years ago, has also – albeit with moderate success – launched a solo career.
But her Eurovision hopes were dashed by South Shields Scooch star David Ducasse during the knockout stages of Making Your Mind Up.
Meanwhile, ex-Eurovision winner Katrina Leskanich, of Katrina and the Waves, takes to the stage with her new band after going solo.
The American singer, best known for 1985 hit single Walking on Sunshine, won the annual contest in 1997 with Love Shine A Light.
Icelandic girl group Nylon are expected to make an impact on the UK charts this year.
The fivesome - Alma, Emila, Steinunn, Camilla, and Klara - have covered the Eurythmics hit Sweet Dreams and perform their own material.
They have managed to notch up nine number ones in their homeland, and supported the Girls Aloud, Westlife and McFly on their arena tours.
Finally, telly addicts will be in their element when the Sheilas pull up in their pink Cadillac.
The trio, best known for their appearance on insurance advert Sheila's Wheels, have enjoyed a cult following since they hit the small screen.
Singers Cathi Ogden, Carly Romain and Emma Robbins have now been signed by pop producers Stock, Aitken and Waterman and release single (I'm so) Happy Happy (You're Mine).
* Gates open for all open-air Sunday concerts at 12.30pm, with shows starting at 2pm. Entrance is free.
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
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