Northumberland to enjoy Caribbean vibe this summer as music festival takes on a reggae theme

A double serving of Caribbean flavour is set to add an extra blast of summer this year at a Northumberland music showcase.

Gallagher Park Festival in Bedlington will welcome seventies reggae legends Aswad in July who will have the crowds on their feet with a selection of their hits which include a number one version of Don't Turn Around and the hit Give a Little Love.

And alongside the headline act, the community festival's street food pop-ups will join in the reggae theme and will be serving up vegan options too.

Angus 'Drummie Zeb' Gaye, a founder member of Aswad which was established in 1975, and Tony 'Gad'Robinson, who joined a year later, will head up a nostalgia-fest of hits at the free festival which will play out on July 18.

Known for their R&B and soul influences on the classic reggae sound, with other favourite tracks including Shine; Good Thing Going and Next to You, they have added to their back catalogue over the years with collaborations with the likes of Dennis Brown, Maxi Priest and Shabba Ranks.

The festival is out to whet all appetites and, with further acts yet to be unveiled, Ron Thornton, clerk for its organiser East Bedlington Parish Council, said: "We’re bringing the sounds of the Caribbean to Gallagher Park with fun for all the family.