Get ready to rock out and raise money at the hottest music event hitting North Tyneside this summer.

The Strangest Party, a day-long music festival that promises a symphony of homegrown sounds, a feast for the senses, and a whole lot of heart, in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and in honour of a Tyneside music legend.

Geordie icons such as Sam Fender and Sting have thrown  their support behind a one-day festival at Salt Market Social in June 2024, which is set to pay tribute to North Shields singer, producer and recording studio owner Martin O’Nions, who tragically lost his life to cancer, last year.

The Northern Echo: Festival-goers can make a difference supporting young lives affected by cancer while enjoying some

On Saturday June 8, music enthusiasts, charity champions, and fun-seekers unite for a day of rhythm, revelry, and raising funds for a noble cause, and the festival has already garnered the support from two of the town’s most famous songsmiths.

Sam Fender said: “Some good musician friends of mine are putting on a one-day festival in memory of a really good mate of ours, Marty O'Nions, who sadly passed away recently,”.

“Marty was a legend and ran a music studio in North Shields with Phil Martin called Notes. Marty was a great mentor to me and massively helped my early career… without him I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Meanwhile Sting, whose niece Jeri-Marie Sumner is organising the event with fellow Tyneside promoter Jon Corbett - said: “Marty was taken away too soon, and I know Jeri and her friends are going all out to do something special in his memory. Go buy your tickets, enjoy some music on the Tyne and raise a toast to a great man.”

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Guests to the Salt Market Social-based event can expect a blast from Britpop’s past as Blor, the ultimate Blur tribute band, takes the stage to transport fans back to the glory days of the 90’s. Blor promises to have you singing, swaying, and reminiscing about those heady, halcyon days of old.

The Northern Echo: hailed as one of the most thrilling live bands in the North East, Jango Flashjoin the event hot on

Jango Flash, hailed as one of the most thrilling live bands in the North East join the event hot on the heels of the release of their debut EP. The North Shields’ natives look set to take festival attendees on a unique sonic journey from indie pop to psych-tinged garage rock.

Another injection of 90's classics will come courtesy of the UK’s leading Britpop band, The National Anthems. The dynamic group who has toured throughout the country, will cover chart-toppers from Oasis, The Verve, Stone Roses, Shed 7, and more.

The Northern Echo:

From the screen to the stage, local singer-songwriter Geoff Mull is set to dazzle with his extraordinary vocal prowess. A contestant from Teenage Kicks in 2011 and ITV's X-Factor in 2014, Mull became a well-known name in the music scene.

In honour of Marty, the local music maestros' former band, Revolver, will also be joining the line-up for a special one-off show.

Known for their dedicated work ethic and eclectic musical influences ranging from Sting/Police, Michael Hutchins/INXS and Bono/U2 to Spacehog, Cheap Trick and Hootie and the Blowfish, the Tyneside rockers look set to do their fallen frontman proud with a crowd-pleasing set of classic and alternative rock.

‘The Strangest Party’ also will invite guests to dive into the world of classic cars with a unique exhibition of vintage vehicles, try their luck at exclusive prize auctions and raffles, and savour the flavours of the region with street food and craft ales from local artisans.

Festival-goers can make a difference supporting young lives affected by cancer while enjoying some of the best live music the region has to offer.

The event will run from 2 pm until late on Saturday, June 8.

Tickets for ‘The Strangest Party’ are on sale now, at just £15.00 and are available via Fatsoma and saltmarketsocial.co.uk.