More than 2,000 music fans packed into venues across Stockton town centre this weekend as Stockton Calling returned for another huge Easter Saturday, delivering a full day of live music from some of the UK’s most exciting acts.

With queues forming early and venues filling throughout the afternoon, the town was once again transformed into a multi-venue festival buzzing with energy, as fans moved between ARC, KU, The Georgian Theatre, The Social Room and beyond in search of their next favourite band.

And with the success of this year’s event still fresh, organisers have wasted no time in confirming that Stockton Calling will return on Saturday 27th March, with tickets on sale now for next year’s festival.

This year’s line-up delivered standout moments from start to finish, blending established names with the best emerging talent from across the North East and beyond.

At ARC, indie favourites Hard-Fi played to a packed room, rolling out a set packed with era-defining anthems that had the crowd singing every word. It was one of the most talked-about moments of the day, as the band brought a headline performance that underlined Stockton Calling’s growing reputation for attracting major names.

Over at KU, hometown heroes Young Rebel Set delivered an emotional and powerful set that drew one of the biggest crowds of the night. Their return continues to strike a chord with audiences, and their performance was a reminder of the band’s lasting connection with fans across the region.

Guitarist Andy Parmley said: “Playing Stockton Calling always means a lot to us. There’s something special about seeing the town full of people moving between venues and just getting behind live music. You could feel that energy in the room tonight. It’s what this scene is all about.”

Elsewhere across the bill, there were standout performances from fast-rising acts including The Molotovs, who brought their sharp-edged energy to The Social Room for a late-night headline set, as well as Pit Pony, whose powerful and politically charged sound continues to mark them out as one of the North East’s most important bands.

Manchester newcomers The Guest List also made a big impression with their evening slot at KU, while across the day the festival once again delivered on its reputation for discovery, with packed rooms for emerging artists and local talent across every venue.

From early afternoon openers to the final sets of the night, the atmosphere across Stockton was electric, with music spilling out onto the streets and a real sense of community around the event.

Chris Cobain, of Tees Music Alliance, said: “Every year we talk about how special Stockton Calling is, and this year really felt like another step up. The quality of the acts across the whole line-up was incredible, and the crowds were there for it from the first band to the last.”

Jimmy Beck, of KU Promotions, continued: “There was a proper buzz around the town all day. You could see people moving from venue to venue, catching bands they’d planned to see and then stumbling across something new. That’s always been the magic of Stockton Calling, and this year felt like one of the strongest yet.”

Now in its 15th year, Stockton Calling continues to be one of the North East’s most important grassroots music events, providing a platform for emerging artists while bringing established acts into intimate town centre venues.

More than 60 artists performed across the day, showcasing the strength and diversity of the UK’s current guitar and alternative music scene, alongside a wave of local talent that continues to thrive.

Chris Cobain added: “The support we’ve seen this year has been incredible. We don’t take it for granted. The festival belongs to the people who come along, support the bands and create that atmosphere. We’re already looking ahead to next year and can’t wait to do it all again.”

With another successful year in the books and momentum continuing to build, attention now turns to 2027, with tickets already on sale and organisers promising another stacked line-up.

STOCKTON CALLING 2027
Saturday 27th March 2027. Easter Weekend

Tickets on sale now: www.stocktoncalling.co.uk