A grassroots music festival is returning to Teesside next year following another successful weekend of live music.
The Gathering Sounds festival will return to Stockton town centre in September 2027 after last weekend’s event was hailed a major success.
More than 1,000 music fans turned out on Saturday, September 26, to see more than 50 grassroots artists across seven Teesside venues.
Participating venues included The Point at ARC, The Georgian Theatre, KU, ARC2, The Social Room, The Link and The Green Room.
Fletchr Fletchr (Image: Gavin Wallace)
This year's line-up featured North East favourite Tom A. Smith alongside overpass, Basht., TTSSFU and Shelf Lives, with organisers reporting packed venues all day.
Esmeralda Road, Little Grandad and Glasgow outfit VLURE also drew crowds, while local acts including Marketplace, Charlie Floyd, Swindled, Daisy Brown and George Bailey showcased Teesside’s grassroots talent.
Swindled (Image: Gavin Wallace)
Festival organiser Jimmy Beck said: "We're absolutely delighted with how this year's festival went. To have more than 1,000 people coming into Stockton and moving around the town to watch live music across seven stages is exactly what The Gathering Sounds is about.
"The response from the artists, venues and the audience was fantastic, and we're incredibly proud of the atmosphere that was created throughout the day."
Fletchr Fletchr (Image: Gavin Wallace)
He added: "There was a real sense that people were discovering new bands and enjoying the whole experience of moving around Stockton and seeing what each venue had to offer.
"Next year we will be back, bigger, better and louder."
Gathering Sounds crowd (Image: Gavin Wallace)
Since launching in 2018, The Gathering Sounds has championed emerging talent, with past line-ups featuring The K's, Lottery Winners, Red Rum Club, Sports Team, Antony Szmierek and Fat Dog before many found wider recognition.
Gathering Sounds crowd (Image: Gavin Wallace)
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A spokesperson for Stockton Council said: "The Gathering Sounds festival celebrates new talent and showcases home-grown artists in Teesside.
"Stockton town centre boasts a long tradition of putting on exceptional live music, from world-famous acts to the grassroots music scene, and that tradition continues to this day."
Further details about Gathering Sounds 2027 are expected to be announced in the coming months.