A COUPLE are hoping to get the Tyne Valley dancing in a three-day festival this summer.

Tristan Raine and fiancee Sandie Silva, who run Events85, have launched the Scoop Music Festival at Wheelbirks Parlour, near Stocksfield, from July 12 to 14.

While mainly a music event, which will include more than 50 bands, there will be a range of other acts to keep the family entertained, such as comedians and craft workshops.

There will be three stages for the bands, covering a wide range of genres, a DJ tent and a hip hop and soul area, as well as a music tent just for children.

Held on the 12-acre farm at Wheelbirks ice cream parlour, guests will be able to camp overnight free of charge, and there will be a quiet tent zone for families.

Tristan, who has been involved with North-East music for nearly 20 years, said: “What we intend to do is keep prices as low as possible and have a scope of different music for people of all ages.

“It’s not just about the music though and we want to provide a mixed bag. If you have been to festivals, you can get a bit bored of sitting listening to the the same kind of bands – you want to give people a variety, so we’ll break it up with comedians etc.

“There’s a real mix for everybody. If somebody doesn’t like an act, I can guarantee there will be something elsewhere at the festival they will like. It’s going to be a really good three-day event, and we’re very excited to get it going.”

Tristan and Sandie have held similar events and music concerts across the North-East in the past, including the inaugural Red Dust Music Festival last year.

With the help of Wheelbirks owners, the Richardson family, they hope to grow Scoop year on year.

“Hugh Richardson is 100 per cent supportive of us and he wants to make it bigger in future years, and this could be the Glastonbury of Northumberland.

“Tickets are on sale now and it’s pretty amazing how it’s grown so fast. We’ve had people as far afield as London and Ireland buying tickets.”

Bands already announced for the event include Fallen Mafia, Thieves of Liberty and The Rigit Digits.

Tickets are available from Scoop Music Festival 2019’s Facebook account.