The universal language of music: Newcastle is getting into the rhythm

9 October 2025

Newcastle’s momentum in the music space is going from strength to strength and industry leaders are choosing the city to host major events in the musical calendar. This year has seen the MOBO Awards land in the city for the first time for the annual celebration of black music and culture, in the summer the BBC Proms returned to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, and next week the prestigious Mercury Prize comes to Utilita Arena. The Mercury Prize chose Newcastle as their first host city outside of London, in a trend which has seen several events move out of the capital – including the BRIT Awards which will head to Manchester in 2026 and 2027.

Newcastle’s value for money, connectivity to the rest of the UK, enthusiastic network of industry professionals and quirky range of venues, has made it a unique and reliable candidate for a first jaunt outside of the capital.

With an exciting music industry burgeoning across the region, Newcastle is proving to punch above its weight. Last year it was announced that Warner Music UK is set to open a brand-new studio on Newcastle Quayside offering a transformational opportunity for artists to develop their careers right here in the North East. This, alongside the major award shows coming to the city, suggests the industry has an appetite for something new and something different, and the toon might just be serving up what they’re after.

The investment in the city also demonstrates a confidence in its offer and is testament to the talent, culture and knowledge that resides here.

And it’s not just contemporary music that is hitting the right note, earlier this summer Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Durham University teamed up to host MedRen 2025. The conference saw 250 scholars, musicians and researchers from across the globe brought together in the North East to explore groundbreaking topics in Medieval and Renaissance music.

Magnus Williamson, Professor of Early Music at Newcastle University and lead organiser of MedRen 2025 said that the region’s cities are “great cultural treasure houses, steeped in musical history. You may not believe it if you walk the street of modern Newcastle, but under your feet lie the remains of many centuries of musical achievements.”

At its heart Newcastle’s musical history is grounded in the folk genre and choral singing alongside composer Charles Avison, a sought-after classical musician and organist in the Baroque period, hailing from Newcastle and attracting the likes of famed composer and astronomer, William Herschel, to his orchestra in the city.

As a city with big ambitions for the future of music and culture, The Glasshouse and music development agency, Generator, have launched Music City, a game changing campaign to attract further investment in the region’s music industry, drive music tourism, and improve links between education and careers in music in the North East.

With a humble music history, Newcastle and Gateshead is very much future-facing, dedicated to building its cultural significance and providing opportunities for those in the region. Data released this year has demonstrated the region’s growing musical impact. Analysis of Official Charts Company data revealed that North East artists were streamed 12 billion times since 2014 including the likes of JADE, Sam Fender, Sting and Dire Straits. And the Hometown Glory Report by UK Music found that the number of music tourism visitors to the North East rose sharply between 2023 and 2024, from 500,000 to 714,000.

These figures are a real indication of the potential for growth when music becomes a key pillar in the region’s strategic plan, one which includes driving major events to the city.

Grassroots venues in the city

The city’s musical history can be felt across its historic venues where revered artists, musicians and performers have hung out, taken to the stage and inspired the people of Newcastle. The Assembly Rooms, Tyne Theatre & Opera House and more recently, World Headquarters are just some of the venues with a deep cultural history and have played an important role in Newcastle’s story.

Today Newcastle boasts iconic music venues from large-capacity spaces such as The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Utilita Arena and St James’ Park through to DIY venues and community spaces that provide a more intimate setting for gigs, social events and networking.

Explore our top picks for the best music venues for conferences in Newcastle

The likes of The Grove, Cumberland Arms and Cobalt Studios sit around 10 minutes outside of the city centre in and around the creative, post-industrial hub of Ouseburn. They provide stages for up-and-coming artists on a regular basis to practice their craft and connect with fellow performers and industry folk which they otherwise might not meet. They are also the perfect spots for the Fringe activity taking place as part of the Mercury Prize 2025 programme – hosting workshops, showcases and masterclasses for all music lovers to enjoy and organised by regional music development agency, Generator.

Musical event programming that is singing the right tune

The Mercury Prize Fringe programme is testament to the range of ideas to create a truly creative and impactful event programme. Working across the full North East England region and with seven local authority areas, Generator has brought together sector expertise to host workshops and talks, championed accessibility and inclusivity by working with local, grassroots organisations including Autism Able and Northumberland YMCA.

For lovers of music, Newcastle and Gateshead can provide a unique social programme for delegates including dinner at the iconic Glasshouse or quirky open mic nights at venues across the city, including Pilgrim and Cobalt Studios. Regional music and cultural agencies like Generator and Nrthrn Baby also have great experience collaborating with organisations and brands to showcase regional talent, drive engagement and boost opportunities.

If you’re looking for a bespoke music-based social programme, our team is well-connected and ready to make your vision a reality, get in touch at conventionbureau@ngi.org.uk

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