Event organisers are going for Gold after lining up one of the 80s’ biggest stars for a free, outdoor concert. 

Tony Hadley, the frontman for international superstars Spandau Ballet, will perform solo at Bent Park, South Shields on Sunday July 24. 

This will be the third in a series of four Sunday Concerts taking place as part of the South Tyneside Festival 2016, with a trio of X Factor favourites and Scottish duo, The Proclaimers, already announced to headline the first two. 

Tony, who has released five solo albums since Spandau Ballet disbanded in 1990, has been entertaining audiences around the world for more than 25 years. 

His unmistakeable voice, heard on hits tracks such as Gold, True, Only When You Leave and Through The Barricades, is recognised as one of the greatest in British pop music and will be flooding Bents Park to wow fans of all ages. 

“There’s nothing like being in front of a crowd,” said Tony. “I can’t wait to perform some classic Spandau Ballet songs in South Tyneside and give audiences a sneak peek at a couple of the tracks I have been working on for my new album.” 

South Tyneside Festival’s Sunday Concert series, which runs over four consecutive weekends in July, is organised by South Tyneside Council in partnership with BBC Newcastle 95.4FM and sponsored by Zeera Indian restaurant and takeaway, Port of Tyne, Colmans fish and chips and NCS (National Citizen Service). 

Already confirmed to perform are X Factor stars Alexandra Burke, Ben Haenow and Reggie ‘n’ Bollie on July 10, The Proclaimers on July 17 and now Tony Hadley on July 24.  The final headline act is expected to be announced for July 31 in the coming days.

This forms part of the wider South Tyneside Festival, which also includes live music at South Shields’ open-air Amphitheatre twice weekly in June, a Maritime Mayhem-themed parade on July 2 and Kids fun Fest parties throughout August. 

Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “Tony Hadley is one of the greatest vocalists of the past 30 years and we are delighted he will be leading the Sunday Concert series alongside The Proclaimers and our trio of X Factor stars.  It’s going to be a great summer.” 

For more information about the Sunday Concert Series and full listings for the South Tyneside Festival www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk or call the South Tyneside Visitor Information Centre on 0191 424 7788.   

All the latest announcements will also be made on South Tyneside Events’ Facebook page and via STynesideEvents on Twitter.