THE frontwoman of a 70s punk band will be among the performers celebrating the North of England's pioneering spirit this month.

Sage Gateshead has announced that Ferryhill rock star Pauline Murray, of the band Penetration fame, will be performing guest vocals as part of its Great Northern Songbook gig.

The show, performed as The Great Northern All Star Band as part of Lauren Laverne’s Great Northern Soundtrack, will feature Mercury Prize nominated act Field Music as the house band.

They will be joined by five special guests throughout the concert, which takes place on June 23, at 8.30pm in the Sage One hall.

The track list the artists will perform on the evening has been compiled by the public on Twitter after Sage Gateshead asked people to share their favourite songs from the North using the hashtag #northin100songs.

Alongside Pauline Murray, Field Music will be joined by Kathryn Williams, Paul Smith of Maximo Park, Ross Millard of The Futureheads, and the Voices of Virtue Choir.

Abigail Pogson, managing director at Sage Gateshead, said: “We wanted to showcase the fantastic songs from the north performed by fantastic Northern artists. We were so pleased that so many people got involved and let us know their favourite songs.

“We’re really looking forward to hearing Field Music, Pauline Murray, and others perform this really unique event . It should be a really great night and a real celebration of the amazing songs the North has produced.”

Ms Murray said: “The Great Exhibition of the North is going to be a brilliant showcase for all the amazing things the area has to offer. We're often forgotten in favour of events happening in London, so it’s great that something so big is happening to draw in the crowds. I loved the idea of The Great Northern Songbook, as it will put a new spin on songs people love."

For tickets visit sagegateshead.com