Newcastle to host 2027 6 Music Festival

11 minutes ago Evie Lake North East and Cumbria BBC Radio 6 Music/Chris Bethell BBC Radio 6 Music Festival will return to Newcastle in 2027 BBC Radio 6 Music has announced the 2027 edition of its annual festival will take place in Newcastle. After four years in Greater Manchester, the festival will take place across Newcastle's independent and grassroots venues in March with five days of performances and DJ sets.

Tyneside last hosted the festival in 2015 but principal advisor for events and culture at Newcastle City Council, Jim Mawdsley, said since then "Newcastle has become a true music city". Head of BBC Radio 6 Music Samantha Moy said: "The city and the region have such a rich musical legacy and a thriving creative community, which will make for another wonderful setting." The city also hosted the MOBO Awards in 2025.

The 6 Music Festival has been running since 2014 and initially was a roving event, moving around the country each year before settling in Manchester in 2023. PA Media Newcastle hosted the Mercury Prize for the second time last week, where Raye took home the top prize 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne said: "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." In 2026, the festival saw performances from the likes of Bloc Party, Courtney Barnett and Jacob Alon.

Mawdsley said: "Since it was last here, Newcastle has become a true music city with many of our artists being recognised not least by awards like the Mercury Prize, which has shortlisted Sam Fender, Jade and Knats in the last two years, but there is a real collaborative spirit in the city.

"We believe that our moment is now. "Music is a vital element of our cultural lifeblood, and we can't wait to welcome 6 Music listeners to learn more about how vibrant the city has become." 6 Music Festival 2027 will take place 15-19 March and the full lineup and venues will be announced next year.

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