Hartlepool’s Open Jar Tribute Festival hailed a success as it prepares for 2025 festival
Following the success of the first Open Jar Tribute Festival in 2023, 2024 saw tribute acts take to the stage across Friday, September 6, and Saturday, September 7.
More than 8,000 people flocked to Seaton Reach, in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, at the weekend to enjoy two days of non-stop hits from acts devoted to the sounds of Madness, Pink, The Spice Girls and Kings of Leon.
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Hide AdIts success has already prompted discussions about next year’s festival.
Joe Franks, the co-organiser and co-founder of By The Sea Leisure, said: “It was fantastic. There were no incidents or issues at all.
"The weather wasn’t great on the Saturday which got us off to a bad start but it didn’t seem to dampen spirits. Everyone got on with it and had fun.
"The feedback has been amazing, so it is nice to see the rain didn’t put people off.
"We are already being hounded with messages for next year.”
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The number of festival spectators increased by around 60% from 5,000 people in 2023 to 8,000 people in 2024.
Joe said: “It has just gone from strength to strength.”
Fifty % of tickets have already been sold for the upcoming Open Jar Winter Tribute Festival at The Globe, in Stockton, on Saturday, November 23.
This is the first indoor festival By The Sea Leisure has organised and is going to feature music from Pink, ABBA, Queen, Dolly Parton, Ed Sheeran and Take That.
Joe said: "A year between each show is a bit long, so we decided to bridge the gap and hold one in November.
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Hide Ad"It is going to be an indoor setting which is a bit unique and different.”
He added: “We have seen a spike over the weekend of people who have attended the tribute festival, had a good time and thought we would like this festival but from the comfort of The Globe.”
Organisers have already started preparing for another tribute show next year and are excited to see what this brings.
Tickets for the Open Jar Winter Tribute Show are still available at https://www.stocktonglobe.co.uk/shows/open-jar-winter-tribute-show.
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