Stockton Weekender smashes 2011 sales

Teesside’s mighty music festival Stockton Weekender is set to be one of the years highlights for thousands as organisers, Tees Music Alliance (TMA), have announced ticket sales for this year have already surpassed last years.

2011 saw over 7,000 people enjoy the musical stylings of Seasick Steve, Maximo Park, Newton Faulkner and Cast, amongst others, on the Friday and Saturday and a further 8,000 enjoying the Wildcats of Killkenny on the Sunday for free.

Major acts The Pogues, James, We Are Scientists, Willy Mason, The Go! Team, Simon & Oscar of Ocean Colour Scene, Jake Bugg and top local acts such as Young Rebel Set, Cattle & Cane and The Chapman Family have spurred music lovers from across Teesside, and the UK, to book up early for the event.

The introduction of a second stage, The Vela Stage, which will play host to up and coming acts including The Crookes, Toy, The Lake Poets, Chased By Wolves and Weird Shapes has added to this years offer meaning over 50 acts will entertain crowds across four stages.

The Kaleidoscope Tent, which is full of activity for children featuring music workshops and face painting, also returns. All of this added activity also means a reduced capacity from last year – putting tickets in even higher demand.

The Tees Active Cabaret Tent will feature comedy from top comedian Alun Cochrane, UK festival stalwarts The New Rope String Band and local comedy improv troupe Hoist The Rag, as well as a performance from Middlesbrough novelist Richard Milward and music from Dan Donnelly, The Bluebuds, The Roundels and more.

The Georgian Theatre will host a local film screening on the Friday, a day of alternative music on Saturday and it’s legendary Jazz day on Sunday. Entry during the day is free to all. The venue will also host the festival’s Official After Show parties, which will be free to festival attenders.

TMA director Paul Burns said “We’re delighted with the response to this years line up so far. It’s come across with ticket sales already surpassing last year with around a month still to go and, taking in to account a lot of the sales last year took place in the last month, there should be a lot more to come!”

“With acts such as the Pogues and James you’d usually pay in excess of £30 to see just them, so to see those acts plus around 50 more for the same price is great value.”

With tickets selling at the current rate TMA are advising anyone wanting to attend to book sooner rather than later. Tickets are currently priced at £20 for day entry and £30 for the weekend; prices will rise by £10 on the door. As last year each adult ticket entitles the holder to 2 free Under 14s tickets.

Tickets are available online from http://www.stocktonweekender.co.uk/ or call 01642 606612.

By peter on July 5, 2012