What to Expect From the North East's Biggest Ever Music Festival
This summer, crowds will flock to Newcastle's Town Moor to see Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon and Perrie perform at the North East's biggest ever music festival
‘Nothing has ever come to the North East on this type of scale,’ says Toby Leighton-Pope, managing director of TEG Europe. Taking place from 4th to 8th June, on Newcastle's iconic Town Moor, Come Together Festival plans to make world-class music accessible to everyone and promises an unforgettable festival atmosphere at the heart of the city.
‘It's such an amazing city,’ Toby adds. ‘I've [organised] concerts in Newcastle for over 25 years and we did Girls Aloud last year, which was amazing. If I’m promoting a tour, I've never missed a Newcastle show just because of the audience. It's just the most amazing experience! Although the arena lacks in its capacity, what the people bring to it feels like you're in an arena that’s 10 times bigger. Even on the way to a show or coming home from a show, just looking at the nightlife – everybody's out, smiling, having fun and enjoying the entertainment.’
Toby’s plan is to replicate a global-size event in Newcastle, and he thought the Town Moor would be the perfect spot. ‘The Freemen of Newcastle and the local council have been so embracing. Normally you’d find obstacles, but it's just open arms,’ he adds. ‘The city just loves entertainment and I thought if I can bring a global, world-class festival to Newcastle it just has to work – and it needs one. I can't believe there isn’t one there already.’
An impressive line-up has been announced including Robbie Williams, who’ll take centre stage on Wednesday 4th June. Robbie says: ‘I am stoked to headline what is essentially my own one-day festival, and where better than Newcastle? Howay, it’s ganna be mint man’. He last performed in Newcastle over a decade ago at what was then the Metro Radio Arena. Leeds’s indie-rock band Kaiser Chiefs will be part of Robbie’s line-up. South Tyneside’s own Perrie from Little Mix and Newcastle’s rising star Andrew Cushin will also be performing. Kings of Leon will headline on Sunday 8th June as part of the inaugural event – one of few acts who have also performed at both Newcastle’s St James’ Park and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. More acts are still to be announced.
‘It’s an amazing bill,’ Toby adds. ‘It’s never an easy sell to get this over the line because they have so many commitments around the world but the line-ups are really strong. We’ve booked a whole day of entertainment. People should come from doors opening at 2pm and stay ‘till the final part. We’ve got a great funfair, great locally-sourced food and great bars. I've run events in Hyde Park for almost 20 years and we really try to deliver a high level of experience. I think we’ll be bringing one of the biggest stages ever seen up here; we really are putting a lot into the production so it does look impressive. I really can't wait to show people. It's in my mind and I can see what it looks like, I just can't wait for you guys to experience it.’
Following what is planned to be a successful first event, Toby hopes this festival will continue to grow year on year. ‘Next year I want to grow to four shows and maybe the year after, five shows,’ he says. ‘It’s a long-term investment for us. When I did my first show at Hyde Park which was two nights with The Who and Roger Waters, that grew to Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and The Killers – it just takes a bit of momentum. Artists talk, they're friends, so I’m wanting Robbie Williams to go away from this and say “well, that’s the best show I did this year” because I know the crowd will just deliver.
‘It's a first-class event that the city’s never seen before. I’m not embarrassed to say that we’re really trying to replicate what they do in Hyde Park. It’s a series of shows with the biggest talent in the world. Although we're bringing the talent and we're bringing all the bells and whistles, I know the Newcastle crowd are going to make it the best event.’
