Stockton-on-Tees is set to welcome back The Gathering Sounds festival on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Known as the North East’s boldest new music event, the one-day festival promises to be its most ambitious edition yet. It will showcase emerging talent from the UK, Ireland, and beyond across seven venues. All venues are within a five-minute walk of each other and can be accessed with a single ticket.
Organizers have revealed the first 20 acts, with over 50 artists expected to perform throughout the town center. Early release tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, May 30, via Fatsoma. Tickets cost £25 plus booking fees and provide full access to all venues from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Since its launch, Gathering Sounds has been instrumental in launching careers. Previous lineups included artists like Andrew Cushin, The K’s, The Royston Club, Red Rum Club, The Clause, Stanleys, and ZELA, who have all gained national recognition. For music lovers, the festival offers a rare opportunity to discover tomorrow’s stars in intimate settings today.
Festival organizer Jimmy Beck said, “The Gathering Sounds gives local rising artists a platform to perform alongside top new acts from across the country. We’re excited to bring the best new music to Stockton and keep tickets affordable. This allows people to enjoy quality live music close to home without costly travel or hotel expenses.”
Leading the first wave of performers 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 such as Reading & Leeds, SXSW, and BST Hyde Park. They have received praise from BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, and CLASH Magazine.
