6 Music Festival Heads to Newcastle in March 2027

BBC Radio 6 Music will take its 2027 festival to Newcastle. The station has announced the move.

The event runs from 15 to 19 March. It will fill five days with performances and DJ sets in the city's independent and grassroots venues. The full lineup and the list of venues will be announced next year.

Leaving Greater Manchester

The festival spent four years in Greater Manchester. It began in 2014 as a roving event that changed city every year, and it settled in Manchester in 2023. Tyneside last hosted it in 2015.

This year's edition featured Bloc Party, Courtney Barnett and Jacob Alon.

What the organisers say

Jim Mawdsley, principal advisor for events and culture at Newcastle City Council, said the city had changed since the last visit. "Newcastle has become a true music city," he said. He pointed to Mercury Prize shortlistings for Sam Fender, Jade and Knats over the last two years, and added: "We believe that our moment is now." He also said: "Music is a vital element of our cultural lifeblood, and we can't wait to welcome 6 Music listeners to learn more about how vibrant the city has become."

Samantha Moy, head of BBC Radio 6 Music, said the city and region have "such a rich musical legacy and a thriving creative community".

Presenter Lauren Laverne also welcomed the choice. "Having grown up in the North East, I know just how much music means to people here and the important role it plays in local culture and communities," 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."

Newcastle has recently hosted other national music events. It staged the Mercury Prize for the second year in a row. The city also held the MOBO Awards in 2025.

Source: BBC News