Live Music Lineup Announced for Popular Festival Coming to Leazes Park
The Newcastle Food Festival has unveiled the Live Music Lineup for its second annual event, featured alongside a Live Cookery Theatre, family entertainment, and artisan markets
Building on the success of its 2024 debut, the Newcastle Food Festival has revealed the Live Music Lineup for its second annual event, this year set amidst the idyllic fields of Leazes Park.
Across the weekend, attendees can enjoy an eclectic combination of talented performers, including choirs, rock bands, duos, soloists, and two brand new tributes. The Live Music Stage will be accompanied by various other cornerstone attractions, including artisan marketplaces, live cooking demonstrations, and a series of family-friendly activities.
“Newcastle couldn’t have been more welcoming for our debut last year, and the support from the local community made it a really special event. We want to build on that in 2025, so we’re bringing together a wide range of local acts to create a vibrant atmosphere for the weekend” - Michael Johnston, Festival Director
Saturday, May 31st
Headlining Saturday evening are Ska Britannia, an esteemed six-piece tribute bringing to life all-time ‘ska’ favourites from the likes of Madness, Bad Manners, The Specials, and more. Festival-goers can experience a memorable evening soundtracked to genre-defining classics, such as “One Step Beyond” and “A Message to You Rudy”.
Afternoon performances include vocalist Ellie Ferguson, community-built Voice of The Town, acoustic troupe Scoble & Friends, and the energizing melodies of Sophie Green.
Sunday, June 1st
Headlining Sunday evening are the highly-acclaimed Planet ABBA, tribute to the legacy of the legendary Swedish pop group. Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in renditions of chart-toppers as Planet ABBA capture the essence of their greatest hits.
Sunday afternoon features a variety of local performers and gifted musicians, including the communal harmonies of Rock Choir, unique renditions from Hannah Goodall, Chilli Road Band’s genre-fusing covers, and the explosive melodies of Danny Charles Band.
Both evenings of the event will conclude with the dynamic sounds of live Ibiza Sax.
Further Attractions
Making its return is the Street Food Arena, set to feature its largest lineup of vendors yet. Guests can embark on a gastronomic journey as they sample varying world flavours and international delicacies. Alternatively, festival-goers can explore the bustling Artisan Markets, showcasing an array of the region’s brightest entrepreneurs, local traders, and small businesses. Alongside these attractions are a range of independent bars, complemented by a Full Ale House serving draught IPAs & Lagers.
In partnership with MasterChef UK semi-finalist Anthony O’Shaughnessy, guests can unravel culinary secrets in the Live Cookery Theatre as top experts from the Tyne and Wear region perform demonstrations. Families can also head over to the Live Entertainers Stage, where they can enjoy family magic & interactive performances.
Other attractions include Free Kids Activities, Roaming Comedy & Interactive Performers, a Fun Fair, Inflatable Land, and Mobile Educational Farm, as well as several unannounced surprises.
In continued support of mental health initiatives, the festival will partner with Tyneside & Northumberland Mind with hopes of surpassing the £127,000 collectively raised for their cause.
With various details to be disclosed in the coming months, anticipation builds for the second annual Newcastle Food Festival Food Festival, May 31st & June 1st, 2025, Leazes Park. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.newcastlefoodanddrinkfestival.com.
