TICKETS for one of the region’s biggest live music events have been released two weeks early due to unprecedented interest.

Last week, The Northern Echo exclusively revealed that legendary British bands James and Razorlight will headline Hardwick Live near Sedgefield, Count Durham, this august.

Tickets were due to go on sale next month but a surge of enquiries from eager music fans prompted the organisers, Ramside Estates, to release them this week.

The open air event, at Hardwick Hall Hotel, has attracted thousands of visitors over the last two years and previous line-ups have included internationally acclaimed acts such as The Jacksons, Adam Ant, Simply Minds, Texas and Jools Holland.

This year, audiences can also look forward to performances from West Yorkshire rockers Embrace, Stockport’s iconic 10cc and the Birmingham-based ska group The Beat.

Other confirmed acts include the Ivor Novello award-winning singer/songwriter Scott Matthews, BBC Radio 1 favourites Meadowlark and Natasha North, who is also supporting the American band Train on their UK arena tour.

And more names are yet to be announced.

John Adamson, event organiser, said: “There’s been a huge interest in Hardwick Live since the line-up was announced and we’ve been overwhelmed by music fans wanting to buy tickets.

“In order to satisfy demand we have decided to release the tickets sooner than previously expected to give the fans of James, Razorlight and this year’s other performers the opportunity to book early to avoid disappointment.”

Tickets for the one-day event, on Saturday, August 22, are priced from £8 for children and £49 for adults, are already available online at hardwicklive.co.uk/tickets They can be obtained in person from 9am tomorrow (Thursday March 26) at Hardwick Hall Hotel and selected sites across the North East, including: Woven, Durham; Yakuza, Sunderland; Changes, Middlesbrough; Bar Beyond, Newcastle; Shine, Stokesley; Cream, Trimdon and Greenfield Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe.

For those who want to get closer to the stars, organisers are offering a limited number of Hardwick Live Gold Passes, priced at £119 each, including free parking and an afternoon buffet.

A selection of accommodation packages are also available, including camping from £25, parking for a campervan at £50 and glamping for four people priced at £599.

For more information visit hardwicklive.co.uk