Sting and Sam Fender welcome extra date for North Shields music event

Music stars Sting and Sam Fender have voiced their support for a summer music event in North Shields which is now adding an extra day due to demand.

The local favourites have welcomed news of an extension to the The Strangest Party which is taking place in Fender's home town this June and is being organised by Sting's niece Jeri Marie Sumner. The music showcase, in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, is in memory of local singer, producer and recording studio owner Martin O’Nions who died from the disease last year.

What was initially intended as a day-long event at Salt Market Social on North Shields Fish Quay has become two - after the first, June 8, sold out - with The Gerry Cinna-man Experience now added to the line-up for June 7. The late Martin, known as Marty, who was from North Shields and ran Notes Studios which offered opportunities for other local talents, is the inspiration behind the event and all its proceeds will go to the cancer charity - with Sting and Sam keen to support the good cause.

• Read more: Pictures from the Auf Wiedersehen, Pet at 40 anniversary event in Newcastle
  

• Get all the latest North East updates with our free What’s On newsletter

Megastar Sting, real name Gordon Sumner, said: I’m delighted to hear that an extra date has been added to The Strangest Party. It’s for such a worthy cause and a fitting tribute to a great man."

He added: "I’m proud of my niece and her friends for their hard work in making this happen and bringing together the generous community of North Shields and Tyneside for what should be a memorable weekend.” Niece Jeri said its aim is honour the late music studio owner who she called a "local music maestro" and "a huge help and inspiration to so many people in the North Tyneside music scene".

She added: "We wanted to pay tribute to him with an event we know he’d approve of."

Sam Fender also welcomed the extra day, saying: “Marty meant a lot to so many people - I’m not surprised Saturday sold out so quickly. "The added date is a great opportunity for people to come together and support an important cause.”

The Gerry Cinnamon tribute act, from Scotland, is headlined by Gary Digan who will be joined on the new Friday bill by Texan blues, soul, and R&B band Alive 'N' Kickin' and Britpop tribute band The National Anthems who will be serving up nostalgic indie hits of the nineties.

Saturday night's programme will feature Blur tribute band Blor; award-winning local singer-songwriter Geoff Mull and Marty's own former band Revolver playing classic and alternative rock. A spokesman for the event said: "It is not just about the music: it's about making a difference with all proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust, making every note played, every drop drank and every step danced a part of something much bigger."

The Strangest Party is also set to feature an exhibition of vintage cars plus local street food and craft drinks producers alongside prize auctions and raffles. Tickets for the extra June 7 date are on sale now, priced £12.50 plus booking fee: see here.