NORTH-EAST musician Mark Knopfler is to take time out from his latest sell-out tour to listen to young people in the region play music.
The songwriter and guitarist is to visit Tyne Metropolitan College, in Newcastle, and listen to student bands hoping to follow in the footsteps of Dire Straits.
He will be at TyneMet's Coast Road Campus on Monday to open the centre for creative and leisure studies. He has also agreed to head a judging panel to find the first winner of the college's Battle of the Bands competition.
Principal Les Walton, who will join Knopfler and two students on the judging panel, said: "We are delighted that he has agreed to come along and open the centre. It's a real thrill for our students to have the chance to perform for him.
"I'm sure he'll have some great advice to give them and I have a suspicion they won't be quite so interested in my opinion after hearing from a legend like Mark Knopfler."
Knopfler is appearing at the City Hall, Newcastle, on Monday
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article