‘A huge success’ - Around 23,000 people visit the 2026 Sunday Concerts in South Shields
The Mayor of South Tyneside has hailed the 2026 Sunday Concerts as “a huge success”.
The 2026 Sunday Concerts have been declared as “a huge success” by the Mayor of South Tyneside as the gigs continue to be a popular staple of the This is South Tyneside Festival.
This year’s line up saw Joe McElderry, ABC and Judge Jules headline the three dates at Bents Park, in South Shields.
It was also the first time that South Tyneside Council had charged for entry to the Sunday Concerts as it shifted away from the ‘free concert’ model of previous years.
The local authority has confirmed that more than 19,500 tickets were sold for the 2026 Sunday Concerts, with an estimated 23,000 people in total having attended the gigs.
By comparison, South Tyneside Council’s Annual Report 2025 reveals that Bjorn Again attracted more than 18,000 visitors to the South Shields forecast when the Abba tribute act headlined last year.
‘A much-loved part of our summer programme’
Councillor Stan Wildhirt, Mayor of South Tyneside, has branded this year’s three Sunday Concerts as a “huge success” and thanked everyone who has made them possible.
He commented: “This year's Bents Park Live concerts have once again proven to be a huge success, with over 19,500 tickets sold and an estimated total audience of around 23,000 people across the three events.
"The concerts are a much-loved part of our summer programme, bringing residents and visitors together to enjoy fantastic live music in a unique coastal setting.
“Despite one day of inclement weather, the atmosphere at each event has been incredible and it's been wonderful to see so many families and friends creating special memories.
"I'd like to thank everyone who attended, as well as the artists, event staff, volunteers and partners whose hard work helped make this year's concerts such a memorable highlight of the summer.”
Backing local charities
The Mayor also paid tribute to those who contributed to the Mayor’s Charity Fund over the course of the three Sunday Concerts.
He added: “I’d also like to thank all those people who contributed to the Mayor’s Charity Fund, helping to raise money for fantastic local causes.”