They've mastered the art of the beer festival; fizzed up the occasion with prosecco and further whetted appetites with pop-up spirit bars.
Now organisers of the popular annual Gateshead Beer & Music Festival are taking a step further with the introduction of another festival first which will be going all-out to embrace the best of summer.
Gateshead Summer Fest will make its debut over two days at the rugby club grounds of the beer festival's home in Low Fell this August 24-25 with a wide-ranging programme of drinks, live music marquee and children's attractions rolled into one.
Drawing from past successes, there will be a rum and gin shack offering cocktails and the popular prosecco bar will make a comeback, vying for attention alongside a huge range of lagers, continental beers and ciders.
Newly-announced additions for the event include a children's comedy show hosted by local funnyman Lee Kyle and Friends while plans are under way for a second music stage and DJ sets inside the clubhouse.
With fingers crossed for the weather for the August Bank Holiday weekend, the festival will launch with a beach party atmosphere and everyone is being encouraged to enter into the spirit of the event by wearing fancy dress such as Hawaiian costumes or colourful summer outfits.
Adding to the summer theme will be BBQs and a selection of summery dishes.
Tickets are available now for the weekender which will begin at noon each day and run until late.
Saturday's music line-up will feature Hip Hop Hooray, a band showcasing favourite past and present hip hop hits; Giroscope which perform the likes of ELO and Genesis; four-piece rock 'n' rollers The Pre-Amps; the rhythm and blues-inspired The Stoned Crowes; rising young singing talent Sophie G and acoustic guitarist and singer Taylor Payne.
On Sunday it will be the turn of rock and pop covers band The Shakes plus funk and soul seven-piece Groovetrain; Memphis-inspired songwriter Bob Douglass and band; singing sister duo Liv n G and Gateshead-born former Britain's Got Talent contestant Jamie Lee Harrison.
And a special treat for children on the last day will be a family magic and game show hosted by children's entertainer Tony Junior.
More details will be unveiled in the lead-up to the event.
To buy tickets for the opening day - Saturday, August 24 - of the festival at Gateshead Rugby Football Club in Eastwood Gardens book here and for a ticket for Sunday, August 25 see here .
Tickets cost £10 and give entry to the gin and rum shack and live music area.
