MUSIC fans are being encouraged to purchase tickets for a live music festival in the North-East.

Organised by Hartlepool Borough Council, Hartlepool Live will take place on Saturday, June 15 across five venues.

The festival, which has never taken place in the town, will include music from Paul Smith,the singer of Maximo Park, and more than 25 bands from the region.

David Worthington, head of culture at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We are expecting the first ever Hartlepool Live to be a hugely popular event that attracts hundreds of festival-goers from all over the Tees Valley area.

"Therefore, to avoid disappointment we are urging music fans not to leave buying their tickets until the last minute as we are close to selling out."

The events will take place at Hartlepool's Town Hall Theatre, The Studio, Hops and Cheese, Chilli Cake Kitchen & Bar and The Contemporary.

Mr Worthington added: "Hartlepool Live is a great chance to recognise and celebrate the thriving local music scene here in the town. There is a huge amount of musical talent in Hartlepool which deserves to be showcased to the rest of the town, the wider Tees Valley and the North East."

Tickets are £15 and £18 on the door. For more information visit destinationalhartlepool.com or telephone 04129-890000.