ONE of this column’s favourite local bands, The Longsands, have announced they will be headlining the support bands bill at two Fake Festivals.
The Tynesiders will play at the events at Percy Park, Tynemouth, on May 4, and Chester-le-Street Riverside Park on August 3.
Fake Festivals is a UK-wide chain of events which base their festivals around world-class touring tribute acts – performing songs from bands such as U2, Oasis, Kasabian, Coldplay and Kings of Leon.
They offer a festival experience at a very reasonable price, and the model has proved very successful, with Tynemouth’s first festival selling out in 2012. Although the event is still geared towards tribute acts, original music by up and coming acts from the region will be featured throughout the afternoon.
This section of both events will be headlined by The Longsands, who sold more than 800 tickets for their album launch show at Newcastle University last summer.
Among the crowd was Fake Festivals organiser Bec Cottrell, who fell in love with their music, which is heavily influenced by the likes of Oasis.
She said: “We just had to have The Longsands for our two North-East shows.
“They proved last year they are the band to watch in the region for 2013.”
Guitarist Ian Barnes said: “I think it’s great this festival is developing and bringing in original bands along with the tributes.
“I understand how they have built this up now, although in the beginning I was unsure of the tribute thing.
“However, having spoken to Bec, I have no doubt about their passion for original music.
“This is why we agreed to headline this part of the day.’
Early bird tickets for both events are £15 and £8 from.fakefestivals.co.uk or e-mail bec@fakefestivals.co.uk
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