Former members of The Beautiful South to perform Rotterdam and more at South Tyneside Festival

The South Tyneside Festival returns in July, with three months of family friendly entertainment and live music in South Shields, including four star-studded concerts in Bents Park.

And organisers South Tyneside Council have now revealed the headliner for the final Sunday show, with pop rock band The South taking to the stage on August 2.

The concerts will open on July 12 with headliner Ella Henderson, followed by Will Young on July 19 and Shalamar and The Fizz on July 26.

The latest addition to the schedule, which includes former members of The Beautiful South Alison Wheeler and Gaz Birtles – will play a selection of The Beautiful South’s best known hits, including Song for Whoever, A Little Time, Rotterdam and Don’t Marry Her, along with original music from The South.

Mayor of South Tyneside, coun Norman Dick, said: “We have some fantastic performers lined up for the concerts this year and I think The South are a perfect choice to end the series on a high.

“The Beautiful South produced a huge number of hits over the years which I’m sure will really get people into the festival spirit and I’m looking forward to seeing The South take to the stage in August.

“This year is already shaping up to be one of our best yet and we hope to welcome people from all over the region and beyond.”