NORTH TYNE folk artist Kathryn Tickell is to hold a concert to launch her new company.

The world-renowned Northumbrian smallpipes player is to launch Magnetic North East, a business which celebrates the North-East culture, along with Andrew Davison, deputy piper to the Duke of Northumberland.

At a concert on Friday, November 4, Kathryn will be joined many of the North- East’s musicians and personalities, including Paul Smith from Maximo Park, actor Charlie Hardwick and Newcastle Kingsmen Sword Dancers.

The concert, held at The Sage Gateshead, will also feature the world premiere of the first song to be written by award-winning author David Almond, Song Of The Tyne, which will be set to music by Kathryn and performed by children from local primary schools.

Kathryn said: “I can’t wait for the concert – there are so many great people coming to perform for us and some very interesting new collaborations.”

Magnetic North East is a community interest company, established to celebrate the region’s rich cultural identity and ensure it continues for generations to come.

It will shine a light on all things Northumbrian, with the website pointing people to Northumbrian pipers and ceilidh bands available for hire.

The service will also soon expand to other traditional art forms, such as fiddle players, clog dancers, calligraphers and more.

Co-founder Andrew, who is also chairman of the Northumbrian Pipers’ Society, added: “The North-East’s heritage is steeped with traditions that many people aren’t aware of and Magnetic North East has been created to address this.

“Traditional instruments, such as the Northumbrian smallpipes, the fiddle or the tin whistle, don’t have to be left in the past; we want to bring them to the fore and show people that there is a place for them in modern life.”

Stage One at The Sage Gateshead will play host to Magnetic North East’s grand launch concert next Friday, from 7.30pm.

Prior to the event, the Northumbrian Scribes will be doing calligraphy demonstrations on the concourse, and there will be the opportunity for guests to try their hand at playing the Northumbrian smallpipes.