MARY Chapin Carpenter, Imelda May, Ward Thomas and Striking Matches are this year headliners for Gateshead's SummerTyne Americana Festival, a three-day jamboree between July 22 and July 24, that celebrates American roots music and brings together some of the finest and most exciting performers from both sides of the Atlantic.

Presented in and around Sage Gateshead, one of the world’s leading concert venues, the event now attracts around 12,000 people each year to enjoy a weekend of country, folk, bluegrass, rockabilly, blues, soul and roots music.

With the UK’s appetite for country music steadily growing SummerTyne kicks off with an exciting transatlantic bill of three of the most talented young country acts to break on to the scene in the past two years, with an exclusive appearance by Nashville’s Striking Matches and the UK’s Ward Thomas plus special guest singer-songwriter Callaghan. Saturday night is party night with vintage and rockabilly queen Imelda May headlining in Sage One. Also on the stellar bill are two of the Americana scenes most influential and award-winning singer songwriters, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Gretchen Peters with her special guest Scottish singer-songwriter Dan Owens.

Across the rest of the weekend, there will be something for everyone. Indoors there are many hidden gems for the Americana aficionados including rare appearances by Texas’ favourite country duo Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison plus Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay, New York’s new folk pioneers The Mike + Ruthy Band and Gill Landry from Old Crow Medicine Show. There’ll be dazzling bluegrass styling’s from Ron Block (Alison Krauss and Union Station) with mandolin protégé Sierra Hull and a highly anticipated bluegrass rework of The Who’s rock opera ‘Tommy’, by The HillBenders, plus the raw, authentic blues, soul and southern rock of The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Lucky Peterson and The Kentucky Headhunters. Tucson’s unique, freewheeling Americana icon Howe Gelb also makes an appearance with his special guest Gemma Ray.

On the free Jumpin’ Hot outdoor stage, the crowds will be entertained by country songstress Eve Selis & Band, 10 String Symphony, Luke & Mel, Urban Pioneers, Mary Jean Lewis, Amanda Rheaume Trio, Danielle Howle, Peter Bruntnell Band plus soaring country gospel from Yolanda Carter and Mississippi blues from Little Victor.

With street food, the SummerTyne River Cruises, a film programme, exhibitions, merchandise and other great things to buy, plus the Concourse stage, SummerTyne is sure to get your feet tapping and put a huge smile on your face.

* Tickets on sale now with a multi-buy offer available, letting SummerTyne goers see more and save. Box Office: summertyne.com or 0191-443-4661.

The line up includes:

Sage One: July 22, Ward Thomas & Striking Matches (Double bill) plus Callaghan; July 23, Imelda May plus Special Guests; July 24, Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Sage Two: July 22, Howe Gelb plus guest Gemma Ray; The Kentucky Headhunters. July 23, Kelly Willis & Bruce Robinson plus Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay; Gretchen Peters plus Special Guest Dean Owens; Lucky Peterson. July 24, Ron Block and Sierra Hull; The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band Plus support Hymn for Her.

Northern Rock Foundation Hall

SummerTyne Late Lounge: July 22, Mike + Ruthy Band plus Gill Landry; July 23, The HillBenders ‘Tommy’; July 24, Song-writers Circle: Yola Carter, Brennen Leigh, Amethyst Kiah & Amelia

Jumpin’ Hot Stage

July 22, Chloe Chadwick Band; The Sons Of Bido Lito. July 22, Teresa Watson Blues Band; Hokum Hotshots; Kari MacLeod & The Fugitives; Tony Bengttsson. July 23, Eve Selis & Band; Urban Pioneers; Mary Jean Lewis & Her Lowmen; Peter Bruntnell Band; 10 String Symphony; Danielle Howle; July 24, Yola Carter & Band; Amanda Rheaume Trio; Little Victor; Mel & Luke band; Hymn For Her; Shipcote & Friends.