SOME of the most biggest names in guitar playing will appear at a festival in the region.

The fourth Customs House International Guitar Festival will take place at the South Shields venue from Thursday to Sunday, July 17 to 20.

Among the top names will be Michael Messer, Bob Brozman, Catfish Keith, Johnny Dickinson, Kevin Montgomery, Terry Ellis, Jimi Savage and Ed Genis.

There will also be concerts by The Hamsters and The Hokum Hotshots.

The festival includes workshops for people wanting to improve their guitar technique or begin learning the instrument.

For more information or to book tickets, ring 0191-454 1234