Communities along the Tyne will be united in celebration this weekend as NewcastleGateshead's first Tyne River Festival gets underway.

Both the East and West of the city will provide the focus for the two-day festival  this weekend (July 16 and 17) as part of the The International Festival of Rivers and the Sea, funded through the culture¹⁰ programme

It is one of a series of  spectacular events across NewcastleGateshead reflecting the region's strong maritime history and showcasing the fantastic cultural redevelopment of the region in the countdown to the arrival of Tall Ships Races later this month.

On Saturday Walker Riverside Park, at the bottom of Pottery Bank will host a packed programme ranging from Ard Glas Viking long boat displays , water skiing and kayaking to international music and theatre, Djing workshops and environmental art.

On Sunday Newburn Leisure Centre and Country Park, Grange Road will be under the spotlight with the re-enactment of the Battle of Newburn, a diverse music programme ranging from  one of Britain's premier 1950's style jump blues/rhythm and blues bandto grand central funk and electro house music  in the youth music zone

Actor and sailing enthusiast John Middleton - Rev Ashley Thomas in the ITV soap Emmerdale - will make an appearance during festivities on both days.

Newcastle city councillor David Faulkner, Executive member for culture, heritage and sport said: "The Tyne River Festival is a fantastic two-day event which will unite both the East and the West of the city in enjoying a family fun programme celebrating our culture and the contribution of the river on city communities."

Carol Bell, Head of Programme Development at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative said:

"This is one of the many exciting events forming part of the 2005 International Festival of Rivers and the Sea this summer.

"The aim of this and the other 2005 Alive festivals is to attract and support a wide variety of world -class events throughout the region which will appeal to local people and tourists alike and help raise the profile of NewcastleGateshead as always a fantastic place to visit."

The programme for the events are as follows:

Saturday, July 16, Walker Riverside Park, bottom of  Pottery Bank

11am community Fun Run from the  New Bingo Car Park On Shields Road (Opposite Morrisons) limited tickets available.For more information telephone the Fun Run Hot Line 0191 278 3093. The two mile  runs end up at the festival site.

Main Stage  12 noon - 5pm: Nuevocastillo (Afro Cuban Dance and Drumming), local band.
Crazy Gang (Elders singing group);  Forged Identity (Youth Band); Baghdaddies( local World Music ); Abba Dream (Tribute Band); Lion Train (a collective of black musicians dedicated to the memory of Bob Marley. Already hailed as the greatest tribute to Bob Marley in the country, Lion Train are on a serious mission to resurrect the spirit of his words and music.)

Walker Youth Zone including  Dj stage, Youth Information stalls and advice, Non Alcholic Cocktail Bar and entertainment as follows:
11.00am/1.00pm Raby street young DJ's
1.00pm/2.00pm Walker young DJ's
2.00pm/3.00pm Matt Blake (Reggae&ska)
3.00pm/4.00pm Cashback (Hip Hop & Funk)
4.00pm/5.00pm John Hayes (Funky House)

Also water sports activities including Ard Glas Vikings Long Boat displays, bell boats, regatta plus water ski and kayaking demos; environmental art activities, jewellery maker, caricarturist ; Kick It inflatable football pitch; Climbing Tower, Fun Fare Rides, food and drink, talent competitions and karaoke.

Sunday 17th July,  Newburn Leisure Centre and Country Park site, Grange Road:

11am community Fun Run from the Lemington Community Centre over approximately two mile. Llimited tickets available.For more information telephone the Fun Run Hot Line 0191 278 3093.Both fun runs end up at the festival sites.

Newburn Main Stage: 12 noon  until 5.00pm: Nuevocastillo; Elaine Milbourne Theatre Dance School(children dancing and singing ); Double Trouble ( local youth band); Trash ( local youth band); Lion Train(as above); Big Boy Bloater and His Southside Stompers (one of Britains Premier 1950's style Jump Blues/ Rhythm & Blues Band. With blues shouter vocals, pounding piano, honking and screaming saxes,honking and screaming saxes, savage guitar and a rhythm section to die for they just can't be missed!

Newburn Youth Zone;
11.00am/12 noon Gala Fields DJ's
12 NOON/ 1.00PM Pelaw DJ's
1.00pm/2.00pm Montague DJ'S
2.00PM/3.00PM Al Smith (Indie&Soul)
3.00pm/4.00pm Noel (Grand Central Funk)
4.00pm/5.00pm Ryan Green(Electro House)

Also between 11am and 5pm: water sports activities include Ard Glas Vikings Long Boat Displays, Bell Boats, Regatta plus Water Ski and Kayaking Demos; Re-enactment of the Battle of Newburn; Environmental Art Activities, Jewellery Maker, Caricarturist on both days; Kick It Inflatable Football Pitch; Climbing Tower, Fun Fare Rides, Food and Drink; Community Stalls; Talent Competition, Karaoke.