It’s almost that time of year again. The ninth instalment of Stockton’s renowned multi-venue festival, Stockton Calling, will take place on Saturday 31st March.
It’s safe to say that Stockton has firmly cemented its place on the musical map, with the town becoming a hot-spot for presenting an array of musical talent each day of the week, from open-mic nights to sell-out gigs. Now, for one magical day of the year, let us combine the town’s assets and revel in musical bliss. With over 70 bands playing across 9 venues in the space of one day, what’s not to love?
As with previous years, organisers at ARC, Tees Music Alliance and Ku Barare to thank for this magnificent way to end the month. Their passion for showcasing both local and mainstream talent sees nine venues across Stockton filled to the brim with thrilled festival-goers and an electric atmosphere. The full list of venues playing host for the day includes ARC, Ku Bar, The Georgian Theatre, The Green Room, The Storytellers,Musiclounge, Whole Latte Love, Room 21 and The Vault.
Paul Burns, CEO of Tees Music Alliance, shared his thoughts on what makes the event so special:
“When members of the public spend their hard-earned cash on a ticket it shows artists that they are valued and appreciated.
"It’s great to see everything coming together for one day of the year where local people step up, buy tickets and fill each venue to the brim – enjoying established and emerging artists side by side.”
And valued they are. With an overwhelming number of artists across various stages, it’s inevitable there’ll be some clashes. So here’s a little preview of what to expect from some of this year’s incredible venues:
ARC continues to be one of Teesside’s most well-known spots, so there’s no surprise that its line-up for Stockton Calling is as rich as ever. It’s been confirmed that 90s legends, Lightning Seeds, will be taking the venue’s headline slot in what is sure to be the perfect way to round off the day.
ARC’s Nick Wesson spoke of his excitement:
“Their music was everywhere in the 90s – soundtracking the formative moments of so many people. To have them play at Stockton Calling this year is a really great booking.”
Other acts confirmed for ARC include ex-Bluetones frontman, Mark Morriss, Sheffield’s Oddity Road, the North East’s Hayley Mckay and Llovers, and Manchester sensations Twisted Wheel. With the latter once warming the stage for Oasis, music lovers should definitely find some time to check out the venue.
Stockton’s oldest and longest-serving music venue will be headlined by Sunderland’s very own Field Music. The two brothers are well-known for their jerky, post-punk rhythms and innovative musicianship, creating a unique, blissful sound. Sharing the stage with Field Music are Man & The Echo, Queen Zee, Plaza, MiMye and Teesside’s Abel Raise The Cain and Tom Joshua.
The Green Room (NARC Magazine Stage) The Green Room is Stockton’s first micro-venue, playing host to many wonderfully intimate performances over the years. The venue will be headlined by Billingham’s Mouses. The band have a history of playing Stockton Calling, appearing further up the bill each time and becoming the “perfect example of a local band doing well – through an immense amount of hard work.”
Joining Mouses in The Green Room are Dylan Cartlidge, Velvoir, Nine Tons,Fret!, Bruto, Swine Tax and Sleep Tape.
Ku Bar has become well-known for hosting gigs from some of the very best touring bands as well as supporting local talent – and Stockton Calling is no exception.
With North East’s Cape Cub and Hull’s Fire (The Unstoppable Force) on the bill, as well as Only the Poets, We Tibetans and Uncle Buzzard, the venue is already set for an electrical day, made even more exciting as indie legends We Are Scientists are set to headline.
Ku’s co-promoter, Jimmy Beck, said:
“We’re very excited. It was a massive scoop to get We Are Scientists to perform!”
Cosmic pop four-piece, The Old Pink House, are set to join Echo Town in headlining the underground bar. And there will also be sets from some huge talents including Ten Foot Tom & The Leprosy Crooks, The RPMs, James Leonard Hewitson, Zeitgeist 77, Charlie Thomas, Eve Conway, Pink Tideand Heather Story.
A brand new venue for this year’s festival, Whole Latte Love is programmed by Darlington’s Tracks collective, and alongside Napoleon IIIrd and Leddie MC, they welcome Twist Helix, Primitive Painters, Lhymes, Jennifer Waltonand Komparison to the festival.
North-East indie rockers Serinette are set to headline this charming little venue, topping a line-up consisting of Fling, Dead Naked Hippies, Ceiling Demons, Swears, Be Quiet Shout Loud and The Broken Broadcast.
Making a welcome return as a venue for Stockton Calling, Room 21 already features chart-toppers The Spitfires as headliner. The Wainstones, Sauce,Social Room, Vida, The Voluntears, Michael Gallagher and The Citadels are all set to take to the stage throughout the day.
Stockton Calling will take place on Saturday 31st March. Tickets, priced at £22.00 in advance, are available from ARC and The Georgian Theatre.
For the full list of acts playing please head to stocktoncalling.co.uk.
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