Michael Rice to sing at Hartlepool Waterfront Festival

The star, who is from Hartlepool, will take to the Love Hartlepool stage on Saturday July 20th from 6pm to bring the first day of the festival to a close.

“I’m so excited to be performing in my hometown, the support’s been absolutely incredible and I can’t wait to put on a show for you all this summer,” he said.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, welcomed the announcement, adding: “The result of the Eurovision Song Contest in no way reflected the quality of Michael’s performance and in fact he did himself, the town and the country proud.

“It is great news that we have been able to sign him up for the Waterfront Festival and this is a chance to show him just how much we appreciated his efforts. I’m sure he will get a tremendous reception.

“We have a great programme lined up over the two days of the festival on July 20th and 21st and the news that Michael is going to be a key part of it is the icing on the cake.”

Michael Rice

The festival, which last year welcomed 15,000 visitors, is back for the third year running and promises another unforgettable weekend of fun.

It will again be held on the Hartlepool Waterfront site in the town’s marina and feature a packed programme of open-air performances, immersive experiences, family-friendly activities and art installations. Events will run from 12-7pm each day.

It will also be the first ever “Pay What You Decide” outdoor arts festival in the country with visitors on both days being able to make anonymous donations based on their experience. All donated monies will be used to provide additional creative activities at the 2020 festival.

People can help to ensure that the festival is a resounding success by joining The Hands Team of volunteers who will “lend a hand” throughout the weekend. Students, job seekers and, indeed, anyone who just loves Hartlepool are invited to join the team and there will be a range of different duties and tasks for them to get involved in to ensure that the event runs as smoothly as possible. Go to www.volunteerhartlepool.org.uk for more information.

To find out more about the festival visit its official Facebook page