Stockton-on-Tees will once again host The Gathering Sounds festival on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Known as the North East’s boldest new music showcase, this one-day event promises to be its most ambitious yet. The festival will feature emerging artists from the UK, Ireland, and beyond, performing across seven venues — all within a five-minute walk of each other, accessible with a single ticket.
The first 20 acts for 2025 have been revealed, with more than 50 artists expected to perform throughout the town center. Early release tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, May 30, via Fatsoma. Tickets are priced at £25 plus booking fees, granting full access to all venues from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Since its start, Gathering Sounds has helped launch the careers of many artists who later achieved national recognition. Past performers include Andrew Cushin, The K’s, The Royston Club, Red Rum Club, The Clause, Stanleys, and ZELA. For music fans, the festival offers a rare chance to discover tomorrow’s stars in intimate settings today.
Festival organizer Jimmy Beck said, “The Gathering Sounds gives rising local artists a platform and lets them share the stage with top new acts from across the country. We’re excited to bring the best new music to Stockton and keep tickets affordable. This way, people can enjoy quality live music close to home without spending a fortune on travel or hotels.”
Leading the initial lineup is Somebody’s Child, the indie-rock project of Dublin’s Cian Godfrey. The band has toured with Bloc Party and The War on Drugs and played major festivals like Reading & Leeds, SXSW, and BST Hyde Park. They have earned praise from BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, and CLASH Magazine.
Also from Ireland is Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets, a five-piece from Limerick blending Springsteen-style emotion with Radiohead-inspired sounds. Their latest album has gained attention on Spotify, sold out UK and Ireland shows, and received positive reviews from BBC ATL’s Gemma Bradley and Hot Press.
Manchester’s The Covasettes represent the North West with indie hits known for heartfelt lyrics and festival-ready hooks. With over 12 million streams and sets at Truck, Tramlines, and Y Not festivals, plus supporting tours with Sundara Karma and The Sherlocks, they are expected to be a festival highlight.
On the more chaotic end, CARSICK combines punk, indie, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. BBC Radio 6’s Tom Robinson described their music as a “memorable slice of life in the raw.” Their debut EP Drunk Hymns and energetic live shows have quickly made them cult favorites.
Bristol’s all-female post-punk band Grandmas House will bring grunge-fueled energy to the stage. Inspired by Nirvana and The Raincoats, their fierce performances break all the rules and are not to be missed.
Florentenes, a genre-blending four-piece mixing Arctic Monkeys grit with Pink Floyd’s concept flair, also join the bill. Following a sold-out headline show in Manchester and collaboration with producer Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers), they are set for a breakthrough year in 2025.
Local rising star Loren Heat will add a powerful voice with shimmering pop anthems drawing comparisons to Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga. After her debut EP Scarlet Haze and shows at The Great Escape and BBC Introducing, Loren’s performance is expected to resonate deeply.
New venues The Link and The Green Room will join the festival for 2025, adding to the town center’s vibrant atmosphere. Curated lineups by tastemaker groups This Feeling and Under The Influence, along with national promoters yet to be announced, promise surprises at every turn in this year’s full program.
