Former Wet Wet Wet star set for Live at Lumley festival date

The former Wet Wet Wet frontman will become the first artist to perform at Lumley Castle in Chester-le-Street during the Opulence Festival on September 4.

He will headline the opening night of the festival’s Live at Lumley event.

Former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow will perform at Lumley Castle during the Opulence Festival, becoming the first artist to headline the historic venue. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Pellow said: "I think it's going to be something really special.

"We play wonderful venues all over the country, but getting the chance to perform somewhere with so much history and character is incredibly exciting.

"It's not every day you find yourself singing against the backdrop of a 600-year-old castle, and I can't wait to see it all come together.

"To be among the first artists invited to perform in such an iconic setting is something I'll genuinely treasure."

The Scottish singer, best known for Wet Wet Wet's 15-week chart-topping hit Love Is All Around, said he hopes this will be the start of a long tradition of live music at the venue.

He said: "I hope it's the beginning of many years of live music at the castle because it's a magnificent place that deserves to be celebrated."

Former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow will perform at Lumley Castle during the Opulence Festival, becoming the first artist to headline the historic venue. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Pellow also spoke of his affection for the region—and its people.

He said: "I've always loved playing in the North East.

"There's a warmth and a sense of humour about the people that reminds me so much of home in Glasgow, so I've always felt incredibly welcome there.

"During the Wet Wet Wet days, I was lucky enough to come back time and time again.

"I remember playing Whitley Bay Ice Rink on one of our early visits, and I also have great memories of being involved when the arena in Newcastle first opened.

"I used to head up regularly to record The Tube as well, so the North East has been woven through my career for decades.

"Every time I come back, it feels familiar, and the audiences always bring incredible energy.

"They're passionate, they know how to enjoy themselves, and that's exactly the kind of crowd every artist hopes to play for."

Joining Mr Pellow at Live at Lumley will be fellow headliner Gabrielle.

He said: "I've admired her voice for years, and I know it's going to make for a brilliant evening.

"When you combine great music, an extraordinary setting and an amazing audience, that's when the magic really happens."

The Opulence Festival continues on September 5 with a house music line-up headlined by Groove Armada, famed for tracks like At The River, I See You Baby, and Superstylin.

They will be joined by DJs including Sam Divine, Eat Everything, Danny Howard, PBR Street Gang, Daz Flatman, Richard Tulip, and The Hutchinson Bros.

A second stage—the Monument Stage—will also open on the Saturday.

Headlined by Todd Terry, the bill will feature performances from Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago, Danny Rampling, Alison Limerick, Jon Pleased Wimmin, Paul Taylor, The Beat Boutique, Neil Hargreaves, Emma Harbs, and The Missus.

Tickets for the show are available at https://www.gigantic.com/opulence-tickets/chester-le-street-lumley-castle/2026-09-05-13-30.

Tickets for the house music event on September 5 can be purchased from https://fixr.co/event/opulence-tickets-285271128.