MUSIC plays a huge part in people's lives and many of you will be keen to get back to gigs and festivals this year - luckily we have a few in the North-East.

Although Glastonbury called its 2021 event off earlier this year, both large and small-scale festivals are now set to go ahead across the country this summer.

Music is such a huge part of the culture of our vibrant cities and to be able to welcome back live music is something people are all looking forward to. 

The Government hopes to lift all remaining restrictions on social contact by June 21 at the earliest, which would mean larger events including festivals could go ahead.

Some festivals have been able to reschedule until late summer or early autumn – Parklife in Manchester moved its 2021 edition from June to September but the likes of Download Festival and Glastonbury have been cancelled for the second consecutive year.

Events including Reading and Leeds, Creamfields and Field Day have seen a boost in ticket sales since they confirmed they will be going ahead, with some selling out.

Here are the North-East festivals set to go ahead this summer: 

LooseFest, Gateshead - July 31

Organisers of this brand new festival are yet to reveal who will be playing, but we do know it will be held at Saltwell Park. 

The dance festival wrote on Instagram: "We can’t wait to show you all this incredible un-tapped festival location in the heart of Gateshead, just 10 minutes from the city centre!"

Information is slowly being released on the social media platform, but festival-goers should expect three stages, 'world-class DJs', fun fair rides, a food village and VIP park.

Anyone who would like to be updated should follow @Loosefest on Instagram.

BeachJam, Redcar - July 31

This popular electronic and dance festival on Redcar beach has already sold out, but you can join the waiting list in case any tickets become available. 

Sonny Fodera to head up its lineup, with support from a huge lineup of house artists from the North-East spread across two stages.

There will also be a host of festival attractions including a funfair and top food traders from the region. 

Organisers wrote on Facebook: "We just want to say thank you again to all of you for your continued support and for making this year's BeachJam the fastest ever selling BeachJam event with all tickets sold in less than 24 hours.

"We cannot wait to be back at Majuba Beach and to party with you all again this Summer!"

To keep up to date with BeachJam, visit http://beachjam.co.uk/

Lamplight, Sunderland - August 7 and 8

Sunderland City Council has confirmed that plans to host the inaugural Lamplight Festival, due to take place in Mowbray Park this year, are proceeding as scheduled.

The council is working with Public Health and other partners to ensure that safety remains a priority and any possible Covid-19 restrictions still in place are adhered to.

All those who have tickets from last year will now get their chance to see headliners Kaiser Chiefs and Deacon Blue.

Tickets are still on sale with organisers anticipating a sell-out event. For more information, visit https://lamplightfestival.co.uk/

Northern Kin, Stanhope, County Durham, September 17 to 19

The three-day folk, blues and rock festival is returning for a third year, reorganised from last year. 

There'll be "more than 30 hours of wonderful live music" to enjoy in the main marquee with more on a second acoustic stage.

In a rural setting, the festival is a short walk from Stanhope and has a safe, friendly atmosphere for all ages complete with real ales and food stalls. 

Organisers say there is plenty of room to bring a chair or blanket or have a dance and stresses the affordability of the weekend. 

For more information about the festival, visit https://northernkinfestival.co.uk/