The Mouth of the Tyne Festival is now in its fourth year with a host of world-class performers due to showcase at both Tynemouth and South Shields, with more than 100,000 people expected to attend.

The free festival – organised by North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council and NewcastleGateshead Initiative – will take place over the weekend of July 12 and 13 featuring dancers, dragons, singers, street performers, and more.

Highlights this year include British soul sensation Beverley Knight performing at Tynemouth Priory, chart-toppers Incognito, Latin American event Vamos, and a dragon-themed street procession.

Mayor John Harrison said: "The Mouth of the Tyne Festival has become a big part of the summer calendar.

"It's a fantastic family event, which is set against the stunning scenery of our wonderful coast. I'm sure everyone who attends will have a great time."

To support the festival there will be extra ferry crossings across the River Tyne as well as a free shuttle bus from the ferry landings to the performance areas.

Triple MOBO award winner Beverley Knight will perform an open-air show within the Priory on Saturday, July 12.

Tickets are £20 (£18 concession) and available on (0191) 200 7026.

The following day, the Priory hosts a free concert featuring soul and jazz funk outfit Incognito, plus a variety of Latino music from Vamos.

The full festival programme is available from tourist information centres or downloaded from www.northtyneside.gov.uk/mouthofthetyne/index.htm