Rick Astley announced as first headliner for Mouth of the Tyne Festival 2019

Rick Astley, who has just finished a sold-out arena tour, is the first headliner announced for the Mouth of the Tyne Festival 2019.

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Eighties pop icon Rick Astley has been announced as the first artist for next year's Mouth of the Tyne Festival.

With more than three million monthly listeners on Spotify, the Never Gonna Give You Up singer is once again capturing the hearts of the nation.

He will perform at the picturesque Tynemouth Priory and Castle on Saturday, 13 July, 2019.

The outdoor Mouth of the Tyne Festivals gigs take place against the stunning backdrop of Tynemouth Priory and Castle.

Astley has sold more than 40 million records in his 30-year career and one of his biggest hits, Never Gonna Give You Up, was No. 1 in 25 countries.

His current release Beautiful Life is his fifth Top 10 album, and expresses his obsession with music, his love for his wife and family, and his love of life itself.

The festival, now in its 15th year, features spectacular outdoor concerts at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, free world-class street entertainment, a jazz stage, children’s pageant, activities in Tynemouth Station and much more.

Previous years' headliners have included artists of the calibre of Paul Weller, Bryan Ferry, The Specials, Laura Marling, Elbow and Paloma Faith.

Tickets for Rick Astley go on sale at 9am this Friday, December 7, and cost £37.50 each. They are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.seetickets.com.

The festival, which will run from 11-14 July, is supported by Engie and Port of Tyne.

Further artists will be announced in the New Year. For further information see www.mouthofthetynefestival.com.