Bands you’ll hear at the 2024 AJ Bell Great North Run
This year’s AJ Bell Great North Run has the biggest and best line-up of on-course entertainment.
The event is famous for its unforgettable atmosphere and 13.1 miles of unbeatable support, with music and live bands to motivate runners and keep their legs pumping from start to finish. From drummers, to steel pan groups and guitarists, bands this year will provide the ultimate playlist and entertainment galore to give runners a boost when they need it most.
You can view the entertainment map here for full details of what to expect on the route. Read on to find out more about the bands you’ll see (and of course hear) on your run:
Bands on the run
Newcastle All Stars Steel Orchestra
Based in Newcastle, this 15 piece steel pan group have played for the Great North Run since 2004. They are a community group who perform all over the North-East, so listen out for their unique noise!
Where you can find them: 1.5 miles, end of the Tyne Bridge.
Sax on the Tyne
Sax on the Tyne are a community-based saxophone group performing for their third year at the GNR. Based at the Glass House (ex-The Sage) and led by professional musician Laura Revely. They play a wide variety of tunes, with songs from their shows and all your favourite hits to get your toes tapping to the beats!
Where you can find them: 2.3 miles, Park Lane Gateshead Roundabout.
Drummed up
Drummed up are a group of 12 Jembe Drummers playing West Africa rhythms. Led by teacher Mark Barfoot and part of the Season Valley Samba School, they have played on the run since 2010 and returning this year to be louder than ever.
Where you can find them: 2.8 miles, just before Gateshead Stadium.
Sunshine Panners
They are a 14-piece Trinadadian Steel Pans group who will be brining sounds of the Caribbean to this years GNR. Usually based in Bellingham, Sunshine Panners have played upbeat music on the run since 2009.
Where you can find them: 3.3 miles, Abbotsford road/Felling Gardens/Green Lane.
Bangshees
Bangshees are an 18 piece all female Samba Percussion Block who have played on the run since 2009. With around 60 diverse members from various backgrounds, this group will drum runners to the finish line.
Where you can find them: 4.2 miles, King Edward Heworth Junction eastbound.
Alex Alfaro Latin Band
New to this year, Alex Alfaro and two other virtuosos are coming over from Peru to perform their Latin music for Great North Run runners.
Where you can find them: 5.9 miles, Little Chef Whitmar Pool Central Reservation.
Chilli Road Band
This 26-piece open access community band will be playing on GNR. Chilli Road Band will perform eclectic mixes from Latin, jazz, to pop played on steel pans, percussion and brass. Their enthusiasm and unique sounds will be difficult to miss (and hear).
Where you can find them: 6.7 miles, before Black Bull Flyover Wardley.
The Commandments
The commandments are an 11-piece Rhythm and Soul Band who have been playing for the Great North Run for over 20 years. Expect everything from party band on the run, to R&B Soul Band.
Where you can find them: 7.8 miles, Lindisfarne Road Roundabout Green Verge.
Gatecrashers
Gatecrashers are a brilliant 4-piece band who first performed on the run in 2015. They bring their very own audience to their performance and are difficult to forget. Look out for their distinctive big hair, lyrca trousers and rebel rousers.
Where you can find them: 8.2 miles, John Reed Road Central Reservation.
Drum Din
The Drum Din are an excellent 18-piece community Samba Band from Whitley Bay. They will be playing a mix of traditional samba, original music and samba reggae. Runners look out for these, you’re almost at that finish line.
Where you can find them: 10.6 miles, King George Road Roundabout.
Hope Harris
Following her successful debut on the run last year, this 24-year-old singer/songwriter from South Shields, will pay tribute to Divas through the ages. From Adele to Tina Turner and Blondie to Aretha Franklin.
Where you can find them: 11.5 miles, passed Rose & Crown Pub.
North Tyneside Steel Band
North Tyneside Steel Band are a 15-piece community Trinidadian Steel Band who have performed on the run since 2007. They use the art of the steel pan to blast out Caribbean music and push runners to their final mile (or entertain supportive spectators).
Where you can find them: Just past mile 12.
Geordie support lines the Great North Run route every year. If spectating with supporter signs and electric chants, be sure to look out for bands along the route to keep spirits high, soak up the atmosphere and support runners to the finish line.
The Great North Run weekend includes action packed entertainment and a party like no other. If you missed out on a place this year, sign up to hear about ballot news and updates here. Can’t make it in person? Tune in on BBC One from 10am.
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