A Britain’s Got Talent finalist, an X Factor contestant, and Tik Tok stars are set to take to the stage this autumn at Durham Cricket's Chester-le-EATS festival. 

The festival, to take place at Seat Unique Riverside on September 30 and October 1, has unveiled a top bill of music talent to accompany their food and drink offerings.

The lineup includes Tik Tok sensation Lauren Amour, from South Shields, who recently supported The Vamps, and has 300K followers on her social media accounts.

She will be joined by Newcastle-born Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jamie Lee Harrison, who has been a staple of the tour circuit for years, opening for household-name artists such as Becky Hill, Joel Correy, Ronan Keating, Sean Kingston, Lucy Spraggan.

The Northern Echo: Lauren Amour

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Visitors will also be wowed by the vocals of Jack Walton, a solo artist who featured on X Factor, as he makes a stop in County Durham. 

Many more up-and-coming performers will be standing in the spotlight as part of the two-day festival.

Indie and rock musician Connor Pattison, from Bishop Auckland; folk-pop singer Paige Temperley, from Newcastle; singer-songwriter David Stoker, and acoustic Geordie duo and twin sisters, Bicker, will be performing.

Ythan Sale, Durham Cricket’s Event Manager, said: “There’s some serious talent singing at this year’s event. Music and entertainment have always been an integral part of what we are trying to deliver with Chester-le-EATS, which is a fun-filled free weekend out for all the family.

“2023 also sees the addition of some children’s rides and Durham Cricket’s team mascots, lions Chester and River, will also be making an appearance. We are also excited to announce performances from Euphoria Dance Academy, a Chester-le-Street dance group led by Janet Balfour showcasing the vibrant dance culture and talent within our community.”

When it comes to food and drink - one of the festival's main attractions - visitors can expect the North East’s finest producers selling food from all corners of the globe.

The Northern Echo: Jamie Lee Harrison

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Street food favourites Redheads Mac N Cheese; The Calabash Tree serving up Caribbean cuisine; Bangladeshi food from Mivesi Spice; Scream for Pizza; Doughvine Desserts; The Gourmet Burger Van; Mr Chipstix; Parm-o-Rama; and Phi Pie – which will be tantalising taste buds with Greek gyros, are all confirmed for this year’s event.

Plus, guests can tuck into tasty take-home buys from producers including The Great British Cheese Company which will be selling their famous cheese truckles; award-winning chutneys, jams and marmalades from The Cherry Tree, Durham-based Pitwheel Distillery; Le Mini Macaron; honey from the Travelling Bee Company; Durham Coffee; an outdoor freight bar from Durham Cricket and plenty more.

Rob Warren, Durham Cricket's venue director, is proud that Chester-le-EATS has “upped the ante” despite only being its second year. 

“We have a jam-packed food, drink and music line-up and entertainment for people of all ages. Thousands flocked to last year’s event, and we hope people are getting excited about this year’s festival”.

The Northern Echo: Phi Pie

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“Seat Unique Riverside, the home of Durham Cricket, is not only known globally for its sporting events but for putting on top-class concerts with the likes of The Who, UB40, Sir Rod Stewart and Boy George gracing the stage this year.

“Our aim has always been to expand our events calendar and deliver a varied programme which not only appeals to people outside the area but to our local community too.”

Chester-le-EATS will take place on September 30 from 10 am to 4 pm and October 1 from 10 am to 3 pm.