BBC Radio 6 Music has announced that its annual festival will return to Newcastle from Monday 15 to Friday 19 March 2027.
The five-day event will celebrate independent music venues across the city, with performances and DJ sets from new and established artists, including a night in collaboration with BBC Introducing.
The festival will take place at some of Newcastle’s best loved independent and grassroots venues, with the full line up and locations due to be announced in 2027.
Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, said the city’s musical heritage and creative community made it an ideal setting for the festival’s next chapter.
“For the next chapter of the 6 Music Festival, we will take our celebration of independent and grassroots venues to Newcastle. The city and the region have such a rich musical legacy and a thriving creative community, which will make for another wonderful setting,” she said.
Radio 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne also welcomed the return to the North East, following the Mercury Prize being held in Newcastle for the second year.
Having grown up in the region, she highlighted the importance of music to local culture and communities, and said she was looking forward to joining listeners, artists and presenters for the festival.
She said: “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.”
Jim Mawdsley, Principal Advisor for Events and Culture at Newcastle City Council, pointed to recent recognition for North East artists, including Sam Fender, Jade and Knats being shortlisted for the Mercury Prize over the past two years.
He also said Newcastle had developed into a music city with a strong collaborative spirit across the region.
The event will also reach audiences beyond the live venues, with highlights set to be broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds, alongside content on BBC Music’s YouTube channel.
Photo: Nathan Shepherd and Deb Grant – credit BBC Radio 6 Music and Chris Bethell