Iconic boy band stars, a TV legend and hit group are on the bill at a free festival this summer.

The annual This is South Tyneside Festival welcomes thousands to South Shields’ Bents Park with a stellar programme of music on offer.

Weekly Sunday events will kick off on July 9 with British pop band The Vamps, who have previously supported stars including Taylor Swift and McFly.

Read more: 7 North East firms named and shamed by HMRC for almost £640k of unpaid tax

Neighbours star Jason Donovan will then take to the stage the week after on Sunday July 16.

Abba-inspired Björn Again will perform on July 23.

And Boyzlife, featuring ex-Westlife singer, Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy, will headline the final show on July 30.

Up to 20,000 people are expected to turn out for the gigs.

Admission to the Sunday Concerts is free. However, a limited number of priority tickets are available from Ticketmaster or Shop at The Word for £6 per person to guarantee access on the day.

To get more stories direct to your email basket go here 

Tickets will only be available for sale until seven days before each concert from Ticketmaster, or up to 12noon on the day before each concert from the shop at the word.

Cllr Pat Hay, Mayor of South Tyneside, believes this will be one of the best festivals to date.

Read next:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here

She said: “Every year we are delighted to announce fantastic performers and a packed programme of events.

“This year is certainly no exception and we have some absolutely incredible acts – all of which have an international reputation – who will be appearing at Bents Park.

“There’s something for people of all ages and we imagine that once again we will see record crowds every Sunday.”