6 Music Festival returns to Newcastle for five days in March 2027
BBC Radio 6 Music will take its annual festival to Newcastle on 15–19 March 2027, after four years in Greater Manchester. Live performances and DJ sets will spread across independent music venues, with one night involving BBC Introducing. The full lineup and venues will be announced in 2027; selected highlights will also reach broadcast and online audiences.
Arts··Midday
Newcastle’s independent venues will host five days of music
BBC Radio 6 Music’s annual festival will return to Newcastle, England, from 15 to 19 March 2027. Five days of live performances and DJ sets will take place across the city’s independent and grassroots music venues. The move brings the festival back to Tyneside, which last hosted it in 2015, after four years in Greater Manchester.[2], [1]
New and established artists will take part, and one night will be organised with BBC Introducing. The complete artist lineup and venue list are due in 2027. Selected festival highlights will be broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds, while BBC Music’s YouTube channel will carry content for audiences beyond the live venues.[1]
Festival returns after four years in Greater Manchester
The festival began in 2014 as a travelling event, changing its host location before settling in Manchester in 2023. Its 2026 programme included Bloc Party, Courtney Barnett and Jacob Alon. Those performances belong to the previous edition; the artists for Newcastle’s 2027 programme will be named with the forthcoming lineup announcement.[2]
BBC Radio 6 Music head Samantha Moy linked the choice of Newcastle to the city and region’s musical heritage and creative community. She said the festival would take its celebration of independent and grassroots venues there. Presenter Lauren Laverne, who grew up in the North East, welcomed the return and stressed music’s role in local culture and communities.[2], [1]
North East artists and events shape the local backdrop
Newcastle has recently hosted other national music events. The Mercury Prize ceremony took place there for a second consecutive year, with Raye winning the award, and the city hosted the MOBO Awards in 2025.[2]
Jim Mawdsley, Newcastle City Council’s principal adviser for events and culture, pointed to recognition for musicians from the North East. Sam Fender, Jade and Knats had been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize over the past two years. Mawdsley also emphasised collaboration among the city’s artists as Newcastle prepared to welcome 6 Music’s listeners back.[2], [1]
