Introducing Lockdown Rosiefest - much-loved South Shields music festival to take place online this summer

The festival - which originated at the now-gone Holborn Rose and Crown in 2012 - will be held virtually this year due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The first event since the Victorian pub called last orders in September 2019 was set to be its biggest yet at the new venue of the Harton and Westoe Miners Welfare on Low Lane.

Instead, on Saturday, July 11 at 3pm revellers will be tuning in with loved ones from their gardens and living rooms for the first ever Lockdown Rosiefest.

The event was launched eight years ago by South Shields residents Natalie Lascelles as a way of raising mental health awareness.

Despite the pub’s sudden closure she was keen to keep its legacy alive in memory of its longstanding landlord Bob Overton, who passed away in 2018.

Musicians including The Missing Cat Duo, Dean Clark, Emily Fay Palmer-Giles, The Dancers and Rivelino will be recording a 20 minute set to be live streamed on Facebook, with the help of Ice Print’s Daniel James Whale.

It will also be available afterwards to watch any time.

Natalie said: “I kept waiting and hoping we could still go ahead with the festival,

“It’s much better when we can all be together but people’s safety is obviously my priority.”

She continued: “This way we can keep the momentum going and keep the festival alive.

“People can watch it with their family and friends and hopefully it will raise spirits and give them something to look forward to.”

RELATED CONTENT: In pictures: celebrating the final Rosiefest at the Rose and Crown pub

Over the years the festival has raised thousands for South Shields-based Cancer Connections.

This year the audience can donate via a Just Giving page to support the charity, which has been providing free counselling for frontline workers throughout the pandemic.

But Natalie is already looking forward to next year’s event, which will take place on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Harton and Westoe Miners Welfare.

“We have to try and be positive,” she added.

“Next year will be brilliant - it will just be one giant hug.”

Join the Lockdown Rosiefest Facebook event for more details.

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