BLUES-folk icon Van Morrison, comedian Jimmy Carr and Boyzone legend Ronan Keating will join the line-up at this summer's Virgin Money Unity Arena on Tyneside it has been confirmed.

Musical theatre fans are also in for a treat with the confirmation that Love at The Musicals – a celebration of some of the greatest musical theatre love songs of all time – featuring local boy Joe McElderry, Collabro (BGT Winners) and Sophie Evans (BBC Over The Rainbow Finalist), will roll into Newcastle on Sunday August 23.

Virgin Money Unity Arena will officially launch at Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park, on Saturday August 15 with Irish indie legends Two Door Cinema Club. The UK's first socially-distanced live music arena has announced its second round of entertainment, with many more cross-genre dates to be added.

Today's announcement also brings a further six acts to the August bill including the world-famous tribute band The Bootleg Beatles comedian and author Adam Kay (August 16), Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (August 19), the “Elvis” fronted Nirvana tribute band Elvana (August 26), 'Klub Kids: Summer Mania' - (August 28).

Klub Kids presents: Summer Mania - Featuring Trixie Matell, Baga Chipz, Atomic Kitten and many more, and Bongo's Bingo in an afternoon show on August 30.

Since 2013, Klub Kids have produced the biggest Drag shows in the UK and Europe. Klub Kids fast became the most respected and sought after company in the business. Working closely with the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, creating shows with fan favourites such as Alyssa Edwards, Trixie Matell, Katya, Vanessa Vanjie, Todrick Hall and Baga Chipz.

Klub Kids are thrilled to be producing it’s very first covid-safe show, featuring a line up taking things to the next level! Join: Trixie Matell, Baga Chipz, Atomic Kitten, Sam and the Womp, Kelly Lorena, Channy Thompson, Danny Beard and Ginny Lemon in an event like no other!

Today's announcement also follows the news that The Libertines have added an extra matinee show to their appearance date of Saturday August 29.

September will see musical theatre star and the internationally-acclaimed tenor Alfie Boe head to Tyneside (September 10), followed by Irish heart-throb Ronan Keating (September 11), an instalment of the much-loved spectacle that is Bongo's Bingo (12th September), and singer-songwriter Becky Hill on 13th September.

Van Morrison, who is regarded as one of the finest singer-songwriters the world has ever produced, will perform on Thursday September 3.

Jimmy Carr is coming to Newcastle on Monday August 31, bringing his Terribly Funny tour to the region, having reportedly sold 400,000 tickets to his shows over the past 18 months.

Speaking about today's announcement, Helen Page, group brand and marketing director at Virgin Money, said: “This innovative and completely unique outdoor programme aims to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.

"We’re thrilled to announce more fantastic talent are joining the impressive line-up of both musicians and comedians, including one of the all-time greats Van Morrison, and are looking forward to getting the events under way next month.”

Festival organiser Steve Davis, added: “We've been blown away by the response we've had regarding Virgin Money Unity Arena throughout the world. We're proud to be hosting an event with this kind of vision and reach on Tyneside.

“With all eyes on the North East this summer, we hope this second announcement has everyone excited.

“To have acts of the calibre of Van Morrison and Jimmy Carr is amazing. And with more exciting announcements on the way, the UK's first socially distanced live arena is set to provide the very best in live music, comedy and family fun this summer.”

Tickets for the newly confirmed events at Virgin Money Unity Arena will be on sale Wednesday 29th July at 10 am.

To buy tickets for all events visit: https://virginmoneyunityarena.ticketline.co.uk/virgin-money-unity-arena