IT’S just over a week until revellers from all over the North-East and beyond will come together for the fifth instalment of what is billed as the ultimate end of summer festival.

Over the past five years, Lindisfarne Festival has cemented a reputation as the curtain call for the region’s festival season, taking place on the final weekend in August.

Since it was formed, the festival has drawn on businesses, people and musicians from all over the North-East to make it a success.

It’s also popular amongst residents from the Tyne Valley – if you make the journey, you’re almost certain to spot some familiar faces.

The district is also well represented on stage – Hexham-born singer Pete Doherty has grabbed Friday’s headline slot with his new band, the Puta Madres, and will be performing on the main stage on Friday night.

Meanwhile China Drum, a punk band who rose from humble origins in Ovingham to supporting Green Day in 1994, will take to the Dingle Dell stage, also on Friday night.

All told, there’s more than 200 acts from a multitude of genres across 10 stages.

Birmingham band Ocean Colour Scene and guitarist pair The Showhawk Duo will be headlining on Saturday and Thursday respectively, while other acts lined up for the mainstage include: Gentleman’s Dub Club, Ferocious Dog, Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana, Smoove & Turrell, and the rather aptly named Lindisfarne.

Also taking to the main stage will be Northumberland band Anthony Vacher and The Silhouettes.

The group got their chance after winning the 2019 Musicians Against Homelessness unsigned band competition, securing 40 per cent of the public vote.

Anthony said: “Winning the competition was an unbelievable feeling, and both myself and the boys are so excited to be part of such an amazing festival.

“This will be a huge opportunity for us to perform on stage in front of our biggest crowd to date. We cannot wait!”

It’s not just music on offer, however.

Hosted by Matthew Reed, Ashington-based Punch-Drunk Comedy will be taking over the Dingle Dell stage on Saturday afternoon, with performances from several local comics.

Organisers have also added in a number of new features to mark Lindisfarne’s fifth anniversary.

Four new stages have been added – two of which are secret – while festival-goers will also be able to walk over hot coals and experience a lighting theatre show.

As always, the festival has a fancy dress theme – this year, it’s Vikings and Queens. In the spirit of that theme, a group of North-East drag queens will be coming to the festival to perform a one-off collaboration at 8pm on Sunday night.

There will also be the chance to sample a range of meads – fitting giving the proximity to Holy Island – courtesy of long-time festival supporters the Alnwick Brewery.

Conleth Maenpaa, founder of Lindisfarne Festival added: “It’s hard to believe we are now on the home straight.

“We are ready to raise the bar at every level and are now on site working hard with set up to deliver just that.

“I’d like to thank all our amazing supporters and community of volunteers who really are the lifeblood of the festival, putting their heart and soul into making it what it is. With so much variety on offer, we promise you won’t be disappointed!”