Bringing together the best of local and national acts to the North East stage, Gathering Sounds Festival in Stockton in August provided an electrifying showcase of musical talent that left attendees buzzing with excitement. The festival, now in its fifth year, was headlined by uber-talented Geordie singer-songwriter, Andrew Cushin and London rockers The Skinner Brothers.

The day-long festival, held at the ARC – Stockton Arts Theatre, and a host of amazing indie venues including Ku Bar – kicked off with an incredible lineup of emerging artists. But it was Cushin who stole the show, and rightfully so. Born and raised in Newcastle with strong family ties to Teesside, his performance was a homecoming of epic proportions. At just 23 years old, Andrew has already collaborated with the likes of Noel Gallagher, Pete Doherty, and Paul Weller, an achievement that speaks volumes about his immense talent.

Fresh from his tour across the United States with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, Andrew’s presence at the Gathering Sounds Festival was a treat for fans who had eagerly awaited his return to Teesside. His soulful and melodic tunes, including hits like ‘You Don’t Belong’ and ‘Where’s My Family Gone,’ had the audience entranced. It’s no wonder that luminaries like Sam Fender have given their seal of approval to this rising star.

The festival featured a total of 44 up-and-coming artists across six venues in Stockton, including The Social Room nightclub and The Georgian Theatre. Among the standout acts were the rock ‘n’ roll dynamism of The Skinner Brothers, Durham’s female fronted ZELA and the fierce energy of GIRLBAND.

One of the festival’s strengths was its inspired layout, with venues situated just a stone’s throw away from one another. This made it easy for ticket-holders to hop from one performance to another, ensuring they didn’t miss any of the action. The musical journey continued with the likes of The Clause, Deco, Fat Dog, Finn Forster, The Molotovs, Ruby J, Dawks, PICNIC, Bedroom High Club and San Quentin.

It’s safe to say that Gathering Sounds provided a thrilling and unforgettable experience, showcasing a diverse array of musical talent. With a headline performance by Andrew Cushin that will be remembered for years to come, this festival lived up to its reputation as a beacon for new sounds and emerging artists in the North East and beyond. It was an absolute delight to witness the harmony of melodies and the electric energy of the crowd coming together to celebrate music at its finest. We eagerly await the next edition of this festival, anticipating even greater talent and an atmosphere that’s bound to be as electric as ever.

Early bird tickets for the The Gathering Sounds are on sale now. Head to Fatsoma.com to pick up yours.