The Streets, Gary Newman and Dizzee Rascal announced for drive-in performance at Teesside International Airport

Sigala and Tony Hadley will join the likes of The Streets, Gary Newman and Dizzee Rascal for performances at the airport as part of Utilita Live From The Drive In – a six-week programme of live performances going to venues across the UK throughout the summer.

The shows, which will run for six days a week for six weeks from mid-July through to September, have been organised by Live Nation to give people their much-needed fix of concerts and live music from the comfort of their cars – but with the same arena or stadium feel that fans have been missing.

There will also be live performances from Russell Watson, Gary Numan and The Lightning Seeds as part of the summer programme.

Performances will take place on a specially-constructed stage with the backdrop of the airport’s main runway, with no disruption to flights.

The programme of events will also include West End theatre performances, comedians, blockbuster films, interactive science shows and familiar faces from children’s TV, with entertainment taking place in mornings, afternoons, early evenings and later on.

Shows will be capped to around 300 cars with social distancing spacing inbetween.

Cars with up to seven people are allowed and each vehicle will have its own dedicated area for people to either stand or bring folding chairs if they wish to enjoy their chosen show.

Teesside International Airport, which reopens on Monday, June 22 following the coronavirus lockdown, is the only venue in the North East to have been chosen.

Other locations for the drive-in programme include racecourses at Cheltenham and Newmarket, Filton Airfield in Bristol and Liverpool’s Central Docks.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I have always said our airport is about much more than just flights, and here’s the biggest proof of that yet.

“In these unprecedented times, it’s easy to sit back and do nothing but my team have worked hard and thought outside the box for new ways to support our airport.”

He added: “These events will give everyone the chance to have a good time with friends or family whilst adhering to strict social distancing guidelines which are still rightly in place.

“There will be something in the line-up for everyone.

“I’m delighted Teesside Airport has been chosen to host these events. Everyone has had to sacrifice so much in recent times and the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool deserve a good night of entertainment.”

Live Nation says the shows are designed to comply with all official Government guidelines, ensuring audiences can enjoy the series of music concerts, theatre performances, comedy shows and family experiences this summer in a safe and responsible way.

The event schedule for Teesside features Russell Watson on Thursday, July 23 through to The Zutons on Monday, August 24.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, June 22 via Live Nation and the full schedule is available online here.

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