Aussie rockers DMA'S are to cross the world to headline at a Newcastle music festival next summer.
The band from Sydney - who are currently busy supporting Liam Gallagher on tour - will be the star attraction at Hit The North when the event makes its return on May 3 with its biggest ever line-up.
Announcing the festival's 2020 date and its bill-topping act on Monday - the day after the Gallagher gig at Utilita Arena -organisers said that the programme is their most ambitious so far, with other acts on the day set to include - from down south - rising indie pop band Fickle Friends, The Magic Gang and singer-songwriter Rhys Lewis.
Australian indie-rockers DMA'S - made up of singer Tommy O'Dell, guitarist and main songwriter Johnny Took and fellow guitarist (Matt) Mason - formed in Sydney in 2012 and following their hit debut single Delete they have gone on to win legions of fans with a sound said to be more like Britpop - and even Oasis.
Their success has included a popular cover of Cher's Believe and two albums and their North East fans have previously seen them play Newcastle’s O2 Academy.
They will be releasing another new album - to include the acclaimed single Silver - the month before they return to Newcastle to play Hit The North in May.
The festival, now in its fourth year, will see a number of city venues host a packed line-up of live music over its one-day run.
It aims to showcase local talent - such as Martha Hill, Picnic, Fever Days and Motel Carnation - among its pick of varied performers which will also feature rising music stars and established bands.
Other confirmed acts for 2020 include singer-songwriters Ryan McMullan and Lauran Hibberd and bands Marsicans; The Lathums and Working Men's Club.
Announcing the Hit The North news on Monday, festival organiser Steve Davis said: "It's great to be back!"
Stressing the importance of the festival as a music platform, he said: “It also showcases Newcastle’s richness as a musical city in terms of its venues and homegrown artists.
"We hope that the festival will continue to boost the profile of Newcastle and the wider North East region as a vibrant hub for new music.”
Festival venues and more artists will be revealed in coming weeks. Tickets for Hit The North, costing £32.50 plus booking fee, will go on sale at 9am this Wednesday, November 20. See here.
