This late May Bank Holiday weekend is set to see more than 40 talented local artists and bands set to perform in Newcastle-under-Lyme as Lymelight Festival returns to the town centre – and this year, it promises to be ‘bigger than ever’.
Originally established in 2013, the live music extravaganza has become a much loved part of the annual social calendar, with over 650+ local acts having performed at the event. It comes as events championing local talen, such as Lymelight, Your City Festival and The Honey Box are crucial for preserving the performing space for artists and for fostering the growth of the already vibrant local music scene.
Having become a mainstay of Newcastle’s Bank Holiday weekends, Lymelight will return from Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, May 26, starring performances from a range of genres across not one, not two, but three outdoor stages this year.
Organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID with support from PH Productions and programming from local music venue The Underground, Lymelight Festival will see the Guildhall Stage located on the High Street, with Ironmarket Stage just around the corner outside Cappello Lounge, with an additional acoustic stage added for 2024 within the market area.
As well as music from over 40 live performers including John Dhali, Nixon Tate, Sam Poole and Bathtub, local venues such as The Crossways, Castletown Distillery and Cappello Lounge will also be hosting live and local music throughout the weekend.
To keep that festival feeling flowing throughout the town, Castle Artisan Market will be bringing the best of Staffordshire’s makers, bakers and creators to the town on both Saturday and Sunday as well as Canonball Records Record Fayre joining in the fun on the Sunday.
Small fun fair rides for children will be available as well as street food and drink from local independent traders The Crossways, Hamilton Bay and Lymestone Brewery.
Charl Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager said: “Lymelight Festival is an absolute highlight on our jam-packed annual event calendar! It’s not just any festival; it’s a vibrant celebration of our thriving local music scene. Over the years, Lymelight has been a launch pad for talented local help to grow the community within the local music scene. Thanks to this event and involvement from platforms like BBC Introducing and Honey Box Live, these artists have scored amazing opportunities for radio airplay and building audiences.
“This festival has become synonymous with Newcastle’s bank holiday weekends! It’s the ultimate free family affair, drawing crowds and boosting foot traffic for local businesses and is a source of pride for our community! Events like Lymelight aren’t just local; they shine a spotlight on Staffordshire, amplifying our presence far and wide! Let’s keep spreading the love and music!”
Pete Herbert, Director of PH Productions added: “Lymelight has an incredible heritage with almost 10 years of showcasing and supporting our local music scene. We are keen to build on that existing reputation this year, working with Lee Barber from the Underground Stoke, and supported by local music show, Honey Box Live, Lymelight 2024 is set to be the finest festival yet staging the best creative talent in Staffordshire.”
The line-up is yet to be announced, but is set to be released in the ‘coming weeks’ – be sure to keep an eye on their social media for updates while I work out how to catch part of everyone’s set. It’s an event that will no doubt do a fantastic job at celebrating the length and breadth of talent right here in Staffordshire and Cheshire, while supporting local businesses and bringing more footfall into the town centre.
Already can’t wait? Me either, but in the meantime, have a read of last year’s review here.
