The Gathering Sounds: Stockton’s Festival for the Future
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. Politics shifts, algorithms dictate our choices, and the world feels more unpredictable by the day. But one certainty remains: music still has the power to bring people together. And this weekend, Stockton-on-Tees becomes the beating heart of that togetherness as The Gathering Sounds returns on Saturday 27th September.
Across seven venues, the town will welcome over 50 acts, each representing the next wave of UK and Irish talent. It’s an all-day celebration that mixes rising national names with homegrown Teesside favourites — the sort of line-up that makes you feel like you’re watching tomorrow’s headliners in the perfect-sized room today.
KU Promotions: Local Legends
The event is masterminded by KU Promotions, a name synonymous with live music in the region. From the legendary KU venue to their role in building festivals like Stockton Calling, they’ve long been champions of breaking artists while supporting North East talent. The Gathering Sounds is their latest triumph, designed to shine a light on both the international breakthrough acts and the buzzing creativity of Teesside itself.
Stages with a Difference
Part of what makes the festival unique is its collaborative spirit. Performances are spread across ARC, ARC 2, The Georgian Theatre, The Social Room and KU, with new stages this year at The Green Room and The Link. Guest curators also bring their own flavour: Under The Influence take over ARC 2 with names like Brògeal, Precious Pepala and Big Sleep; This Feeling delivers a raucous line-up at The Link featuring Sunbeam, Dictator and Long Island; and The Northern Academy of Music Education (NAME) brings fresh energy to The Green Room with Labyrinthine Oceans, Isabel Maria and more.
National Names on the Rise
The bill is stacked with touring acts already making serious waves. Dublin’s Somebody’s Child headline, delivering soaring indie anthems fresh from a whirlwind year of festivals and critical acclaim. However, it is London’s Keo, led by brothers Finn and Conor Keogh, that are pushing every door at the moment. They bring a high-voltage blend of alt-rock that recently earned them a slot opening for Kings of Leon and are sure to pack The Georgian Theatre late on. Meanwhile, Scottish outfit Brògeal inject folk instrumentation into a punk framework, creating one of the most exciting live shows on the circuit.
Other highlights include the heartfelt rock of Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets, Manchester indie darlings The Covasettes, the punk-charged energy of Liverpool’s The Kairos, Bristol’s ferocious trio Grandmas House, and the soulful alt-pop power of Precious Pepala.
Flying the Flag for Teesside
The local contingent is just as strong. South Shields’ Cortney Dixon continues her upward trajectory after appearances at SXSW and Glastonbury. Sunderland art-pop collective Swindled push boundaries with their theatrical live sets. Rising pop voice Loren Heat adds polish to the line-up, while Teesside guitar bands such as The Redroom, Vice Killer, Eighty Eight Miles, The Slates, End Credits and The North prove there’s no shortage of raw power close to home.
Final Word
With wristbands granting access to every venue from midday, The Gathering Sounds is designed for exploration: darting between rooms, stumbling on your new favourite band, and soaking up the energy of a town buzzing with live music. It’s more than just a gig — it’s a reminder that the North East continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to cultural clout.
Tickets are down to their final release, so don’t wait. Buy tickets for The Gathering Sounds 2025
Written by: John Hayhurst
