Everything you need to know ahead of ABC headlining South Shields’ Bents Park
The second Sunday Concert of 2026 will take place this weekend as ABC come to South Shields.
With the first Sunday Concert of 2026 being a success, it is now the turn of 1980s legends ABC to headline in South Shields - this is everything you need to know ahead of the gig.
Crowds will descend on Bents Park on Sunday, July 26, to experience one of the highlights of the annual This is South Tyneside Festival.
The first Sunday Concert of 2026 saw Joe McElderry headline his home town in partnership with Pride in South Tyneside.
Now ABC will take to the stage alongside a DJ set from Chris Felton, Nuromantica and Chesney Hawkes.
Earlier this month, South Tyneside Council revealed that “around a total of 13,000” tickets had been sold for this year’s Sunday Concerts.
This is everything you need to know for the first Sunday Concert of 2026:
Where is the Sunday Concert taking place?
As always, the 2026 Sunday Concerts will be held in South Shields’ Bents Park.
However, this year is the first time that the concerts will be fully ticketed - with tickets needing to be purchased before the event.
South Tyneside Council has confirmed that there is no deadline on purchasing tickets, meaning they can be bought right up until the time of the gig.
General admission costs £5 per concert for those aged 17 to 65, with tickets priced at £2 for those aged 11 to 16 or 66 and over.
Entry is free for those aged 10 and under.
Online tickets are subject to a booking fee, which doesn’t apply to free tickets.
You can buy tickets at: www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk - once purchased, they will be emailed to you and then scanned on entry.
What is the line up?
The running order for the first Sunday Concert is below:
- 12pm: Gates open.
- 12.40pm until 1.40pm: Chris Felton DJ.
- 1.40pm until 2.30pm: Nuromantica.
- 2.50pm until 3.20pm: Chesney Hawkes.
- 3.45pm until 4.45pm: ABC.
Organisers have stated that this running order could be subject to change.
You can follow https://www.facebook.com/SouthTynesideEvents for the most up to date information on the date of the concert.
Where can I park my car?
There are numerous car parks located close to Bents Park along the South Shields Seafront.
Visitors are asked to show consideration for local residents and not park in the residential areas adjacent to Bents Park.
You can view a full list of car parks in South Shields by clicking here.
What will the weather be like?
According to the Met Office, Sunday, July 26, is looking set to be a sunny day with some cloud covering as we head into the afternoon.
Temperatures are expected to hit highs of around 19°C and it is not expected to rain.
Who else is performing in South Shields this year?
The final Sunday Concert on August 2 will be rounded off by DJ Judge Jules, Ultrabeat, Phats and Small and Sweet Female Attitude.
You can find out more information about the This is South Tyneside Festival 2026 by visiting: https://www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk/.