A NUMBER of new bus services have been created to take people to a popular North East festival.

Hardwick Festival takes place this weekend (August 20-21) at Hardwick Hall at Sedgefield, with a stellar line-up including headliners Stereophonics on Saturday and The Specials on Sunday.

Organisers have teamed up with JH Coaches, which will be laying on transport to and from the site from various locations across the North East over the weekend.

Five routes have been created, including from Newcastle via Gateshead, Washington, Chester-le-Street and Durham, then from South Shields to Sunderland, Hartlepool and picking up at Billingham before arriving at Hardwick.

The third route will go from Spennymoor via Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland, with a bus also running from Stockton and Middlesbrough and also Northallerton to Hardwick via Darlington.

Return journeys start from £12.50 and can be booked at https://bit.ly/HardwickFestivalTravel

John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall, said: "We know not everyone drives and not everyone wants to drive if they are coming to a festival.

“This is a fantastic stress free way to get to Hardwick from towns and cities across the North East in comfort and also to get back home again.”

Other artists performing include Becky Hill, Ella Eyre, The Proclaimers and Seasick Steve, as well as a whole host of local talent.

There is also a full programme of children’s entertainment across the two days, plus sessions by world-renowned DJs featuring names such as Danny Tenaglia, Purple Disco Machine, Robin S and David Penn.