They’ve barely finished sweeping up the confetti from last week’s Mercury Prize ceremony, but Newcastle already has another major music event to look forward to.
BBC Radio 6 Music has announced that its flagship festival will return to the city next spring, 12 years after Newcastle and Gateshead hosted a memorable weekend of live performances, conversation and musical discoveries.
The 6 Music Festival will take place from Monday, March 15 to Friday, March 19, 2027, with five days of gigs and DJ sets across Newcastle’s independent and grassroots venues.
The festival, which has spent the past three years in Greater Manchester, will feature established acts alongside emerging artists, with a dedicated night in collaboration with BBC Introducing.
The full line-up and participating venues will be revealed in 2027.
Samantha Moy, head of BBC Radio 6 Music, said: “The city and the region have such a rich musical legacy and a thriving creative community, which will make for another wonderful setting. We look forward to sharing more details in the months ahead.”
Sunderland’s 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne, who hosted the Mercury Prize on Tyneside for the second time last week, sounded buzzing to have a working reason to return to the region in 2027.
She said: “Fresh from the Mercury Prize taking place in Newcastle for the second year, I’m thrilled that the 6 Music Festival will be heading back to the city in March. Having grown up in the North East, I know just how much music means to people here and the important role it plays in local culture and communities.
“It’s fantastic to see the festival return to the North East, and I can’t wait to join listeners, artists and presenters for what promises to be a brilliant celebration of live music.”
Jim Mawdsley, principal advisor for events and culture at Newcastle City Council, said the festival would provide an opportunity to showcase the city’s grassroots music scene.
“The 6 Music Festival will shine a light on the amazing grass roots venues and promoters we have in the city that are a vital and essential part of both the eco and artist support systems,” he said.
Launched in 2014, the festival has visited cities including Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cardiff and London, with previous performers ranging from Depeche Mode, Pixies and Johnny Marr to Little Simz, Self Esteem, Wet Leg and Young Fathers.
The 2015 event on Tyneside saw performances from the likes of Royal Blood, Hot Chip, Slaves, Sleaford Mods, Wolf Alice and Fat White Family, with events taking over venues including the O2 Academy, (the then)Sage Gateshead, The Cluny, The Cumberland Arms, Star and Shadow and Boiler Shop.
There was plenty beyond the gigs, too, with Lauren Laverne interviewing Bryan Ferry, John Cooper Clarke delivering some punk poetry and a gathering of North East musicians including members of Maxïmo Park, The Futureheads and Field Music discussing the region’s music scene.
Highlights from the 2027 Newcastle festival will be broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds, with performances also available through BBC Music’s YouTube channel.