Entertainment features

The Cookson Parade in South Shields is my favourite event of the summer.

When I was in the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, I used to be part of the parade and I looked forward to it every year. It was great fun looking out for your friends and family among the hundreds of faces in the crowd.

Kristie used to be in the parade

Now I'm a bit older I still like to go down as a spectator and watch the colourful floats that parade from South Shields Town Hall to Bents Park.

In 2009 the parade is on 4 July and the theme is "Just imagine... a deep sea paradise" - which should mean some impressive costumes.

Local music

The parade is just one of a whole host of outdoor events being held for the South Tyneside Summer Festival, which runs from June until the end of August in South Shields.

There will be live music at the amphitheatre and South Marine Park bandstand; open-air concerts in Bents Park; the Mouth of the Tyne Festival on 11 and 12 July and Proms in the Park on 18 July.

Acts performing at Bents Park include Toyah Willcox, Carol Decker of T'Pau and Andy Abraham.

Carol Decker will be at Bents Park

Local musicians, including North East band The Flytes, will also get their chance to shine thanks to the Find Your Talent scheme.

The Flytes, a four-piece indie/rock band from Houghton-le-Spring, are brothers Jonathan and David Clappison, drummer Oliver Terry and singer Neil Burnette. They're really excited to be playing so close to home.

Jonathan said: "I can't wait… there should be quite a few people coming with us being from the North East and it's quite a big festival so we want to get as many people as possible there."

The band formed in 2007 and have recently toured both America and France. Now they are looking forward to being back in the UK. "We are looking to start a UK tour and ultimately become part of a record label," Jonathan said.

The Flytes will be performing at the amphitheatre on Sea Road, South Shields, on 25 June 2009 along with indie group Stan. Entry is free.

The South Tyneside Summer Festival runs until 30 August 2009.

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