South Tyneside Festival cancelled due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic

Council bosses have today (Tuesday, April 21) announced the decision to stand down this year's festival due to the ongoing crisis.

The three-month programme of family-friendly entertainment was due to take place over the summer months of June, July and August.

Musicians including Ella Henderson, Will Young, Shalamar, The Fizz and The South were due to perform in the festival’s four Sunday Concerts.

Other key events include the carnival-like Summer Parade involving the community, as well as Proms in the Park, Kids Fun-fest, brass bands and live music at The Amphitheatre.

The festival is the latest large-scale event to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

As of Monday, April 20 there are 357 confirmed cases of the virus in South Tyneside, as the number of people who have died at the borough’s NHS trust continues to rise.

Click here for live coronavirus updates

Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick said: “We know how popular the festival is among residents and visitors. However, after very careful consideration, the Council has had to make the difficult decision to cancel this year’s programme of events due to the uncertainty over when social distancing measures will be lifted.

“We know this will be a huge disappointment to all those involved. But we also know you will understand that the safety of all our festival goers, artists, participants and staff are of paramount importance and that this is a necessary measure in line with the Government’s advice to try and limit the spread of coronavirus.”

Events staff are working with agents, artists and ticket agencies to reschedule the Sunday Concerts for 2021.

Wherever possible, the same artists will be re-booked for next year and, in this case, already purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates.

Further information on how to claim a refund will be made available in due course, once the rescheduled line up has been announced.

The Mayor added: “We would ask people to bear with us as we make the arrangements regarding this and thank everyone for their patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.”

For regular updates visit www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

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