The North East music scene is going from strength to strength as St James' Park and Stadium of Light look back at a successful summer of concerts, with none other than Sam Fender, Beyonce and P!nk all gracing the stages.
But away from the huge stadium gigs lies a number of impressive festivals ready to showcase the talent of the region. One such event is Hardwick Festival, and organisers have pulled out all the stops for its 2023 edition, which marks 10 years since the event's formation.
Among the headliners of the weekend-long event in August are indie rock greats Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and The Kooks, while former Spice Girl Melanie C and The Vaccines are also lined up to wow the crowds at the six-stage festival.
Hardwick Live will also play host to The Smiths’ Johnny Marr, The Cribs, and rising local star Andrew Cushin, who will be fresh from his US tour supporting former One Direction man Louis Tomlinson.
Andrew said of his inclusion: "It's an absolute pleasure to be returning to Hardwick again this year! Three years running is a real statement and to climb up the bill once again is something I'm immensely proud of."
Also performing is Sunderland's Tom A Smith, who put on an energetic performance at Glastonbury last month. "I'm really looking forward to playing Hardwick on the main stage," he told us.
"I've actually watched bands and artists play on it for the last 10 years. It's so close to home and has actually been a real ambition of mine."
Away from the local talent are crowd pleasers The Lottery Winners. The band recently celebrated a number one album in the UK charts and are looking forward to entertaining in the north east once more.
Frontman Thom Rylance from the band told Mirror: "The line up is absolutely littered with literal legends. Noel, Johnny (I’m not sure why I’m pretending I’m on first name terms), the Cribs and a little Andy Cush-Cush. Incredible.
"I’m going to be completely planted to that main stage all day. It’s one of the best line ups of our entire summer. Gigs in the North East ALWAYS go off. I don’t know what it is about the place, maybe it’s in the water, but everybody is always just well up for it. I’m really excited to getting back to the country’s friendliest place."
Dance music enthusiasts will also be catered for with a number of internationally renowned DJs making an appearance and Haçienda Classical, a celebration of the iconic Manchester club, taking to the stage on day one.
The continuous live DJ set will spin a number of the biggest tracks of the era alongside a full orchestra, choir and guest vocalists.
Previous headliners at the event have included Madness, Manic Street Preachers, Kaiser Chiefs, James, Razorlight and Adam Ant.
It's a festival for all ages too with the event nestled within a wooded area and also including child-friendly entertainment, including face painting, magic shows, ventriloquists. As usual for big weekend festivals, there will also be a selection of food stalls available.
For more information head to: hardwickfestival.ticketline.co.uk
