Tents are going up and the stage is being set for a major celebration of country music.
Ruby Rae’s XL, an indoor country music festival promising a taste of Nashville in the North East, will take over Newcastle’s Times Square on Friday, October 23, from 5pm to 11pm.
The event is expected to draw 1,500 fans for a night of live music, line dancing and Tennessee-themed entertainment.
Ruby Rae’s has become a leading name in live country music and entertainment in the North, with its Newcastle bar opening last year and a second venue launched in York this summer.
The popular Newcastle bar recently underwent an expansion, including a relocated stage and the addition of a new photo booth, to improve the experience for even more country fans.
Dean Saunders, co-owner of Ruby Rae’s, said: "We are super passionate about country music and Ruby Rae’s, and we wanted to create an XL version of what we do every single week in Newcastle.
"Ruby Rae’s XL will have six incredible tribute acts, line dancing, Nashville décor, BBQ food, country music merchandise and 1,500 people coming together for one unforgettable night."
The event is the latest project from Dean Saunders and Dan Cooke, co-owners of Ruby Rae’s country bar, who have worked alongside Nigel Holliday and the EVNT Inspirations team to create an experience on a scale not previously seen in the region.
Construction underway ahead of the event (Image: Ruby Rae's)
"Dan and I can’t wait to work with Nigel, Mike, Stu and the rest of the EVNT Inspirations team to bring this amazing event to Times Square", Dean added.
The six-act tribute line-up includes The Ella Langley Experience, Zachbryanuktribute, The Lainey Wilson experience Tribute, Almostwallen, Shania Twain by Tia Dodds, and Jo Fry as Dolly Parton.
Fans can expect Nashville-inspired decorations, country music merchandise, themed drinks and Tennessee-style BBQ food, all inside a purpose-built marquee.
Mr Cooke said: "The North East knows how to embrace a great night out, and this festival will bring a completely different energy to the region.
"Country music has such a feel-good spirit; it brings people together."
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EVNT Inspirations co-director Nigel Holliday said: "We are very excited to work with Dean and his team at Ruby Rae’s.
"Having known and worked together for more than 15 years, it was the perfect synergy to use our large Times Square site and combine it with Ruby Rae’s, a huge brand in Newcastle and York, to offer an XL version of the Ruby Rae’s experience.
"They have pulled together an amazing line-up of singers, and I can’t wait to see 1,500 people line-dancing together in our huge marquee."