Following the announcement last week that the UK’s first socially distanced live music arena would be launching on Tyneside, its organisers have today confirmed a barnstorming opening line-up.
Virgin Money Unity Arena will officially launch at Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park, on Friday 14th August and Saturday 15th August THIS YEAR.
Two Door Cinema Club will be the first heavweight headliner to perform at the new arena on Saturday 15th August, with funk and soul DJ maestro Craig Charles kickstarting the party on Friday 14th August.
With all eyes on the North East this summer, Two Door Cinema Club will unleash a full live set on the first Saturday unveiled as part of the initial line-up. The much-loved indie pop band from Bangor, County Down are renowned for fist punching festival-friendly live performances and singalong anthems. They will head to Newcastle after releasing their critically acclaimed fourth studio album ‘False Alarm’.
Before that, the legendary actor, host and broadcaster Craig Charles, one of the UK’s most beloved Funk and Soul DJs will get things underway on the Friday. From Robot Wars to Red Dwarf, Craig has now grounded himself as a Funk and Soul icon after 10 years of broadcasting on BBC 6 Music with their primetime Saturday night show.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Helen Page, Group Brand and Marketing Director at Virgin Money, said: “We are thrilled to announce such a strong line-up of both musicians and comedians performing at the Virgin Money Unity Arena. We are excited to bring this innovative music event to the public for what we believe will be the best live experience this summer.”
Hot on the heels of the Virgin Money Unity Arena opening weekend, a further six dates have also been released today by festival organisers SSD Concerts, with a strong emphasis on providing entertainment that has a breadth of variety.
This includes a performance from indie icons Supergrass (Saturday 22nd August) and, looking ahead towards the end of August 2020 and the beginning of September, solo vocal star Tom Grennan will roll into Tyneside on Thursday 27th August.
Tom’s first album Lighting Matches was one of the 10 best-selling debuts of 2018 and his new single “This is the Place” is currently taking the charts by storm.
In a major coup for Virgin Money Unity Arena, London rockers The Libertines, led by Pete Doherty and his sidekick Carl Barât will take centre stage on Saturday 29th August followed by a timely blast of award-winning comedy from Jason Manford (Sunday 30th August) and the household name that is Bill Bailey on Tuesday 1st September and Wednesday 2nd September.
Meanwhile, North East indie heroes Maxïmo Park, renowned for blistering festival performances by frontman Paul Smith, will make a welcome return home on Saturday 5th September.
2020 Lineup
Fri 14th August – Craig Charles
Sat 15th August – Two Door Cinema Club
Sat 22nd August – Supergrass
Thurs 27th August – Tom Grennan
Sat 29th August – The Libertines
Sun 30th August – Jason Manford
Tues 1st & Weds 2nd September – Bill Bailey
Sat 5th September – Maximo Park