Music at the Castle
Presented by Newcastle Castle, Sofar Sounds, and LLIVELY Music
Join us for an evening at the Castle Keep, filled with fantastic musical performances across POP, FOLK and ROCK!
SATURDAY, 26 JULY
6PM
LOCATION: The Castle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RQ
Express Checkout:
£18 per person
THE LINEUP:
India Arkin
India Arkin was introduced to the world with a thunderous start, moving to the North-East to study Fine Art, Arkin was quickly signed to HMV’s first ever distribution deal with 1921 Records; putting her face on the page of Forbes, NME - as well naming her a National Album Day ambassador alongside the likes of Sam Ryder, Franz Ferdinand, and KSI. Cememting herself as one to watch from the beginning.
With influence from Wolf Alice, The Last Dinner Party and Radiohead she’s keen to blow the lid off any one sonic box. Now 24 years old, Arkin has taken the industry by a storm. With a rammed schedule over the last 12 months with her live band, she continues to establish her sound with support slots for Tom Grennan and The Feeling, and Daytime TV. Alongside this she has performed at festivals including Bingley Weekender, 100Above, and Spring Classic, and notably being a two time headliner at Rotterdam’s Left Of The Dial; naming her one their top 15 artists out of over 115 international acts, undoubtedly stating the beginning her international success.
Joe Goodall
20-year-old Joe Goodall is being praised as one of the country’s most exciting emerging acts. Airplay via BBC Radio Scotland, GoRadio, Amazing Radio, Scotland On Sunday' Artist of the Week and support via The Scotsman and the Weekender Magazine. Goodall is also shortlisted for The Scottish Newcomer of the Year Award 2023.
Joe has sold out shows across Scotland at venues including King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Sneaky Petes and SWG3. With a handful of Scottish Festivals left to off the bucket list and a nationwide tour with Hit The Road (alumni include Lewis Capaldi) under his belt, there is only one way to go for Joe, UP!
Rivkala
"One to Watch for 2025" by BBC Introducing, Rivkala is a showgirl, sinner and storyteller. Winner of Drake Music's Emergent Artist of 2023, this rising Manchester-born, Newcastle-based jazz artist is inspired by the raw, emotive and irreverent social commentary of Nina Simone, Carole King and Amy Winehouse. After supporting Jordan Rakei with her band at BBC Proms 2024, she’s returning for a live taping on Radio 3’s Round Midnight with Soweto Kinch at Proms 2025. Fresh off her debut TV performance for BBC Look North in connection with the MOBO Fringe festival, she has since been awarded Youth Music funding for her next project. With her debut EP releasing June 6th 2025, she lures us down the rabbit hole for a night at the Crushed Velvet cabaret bar.
Vigilantes
Powerful Indie Rock coming from the most divided town in the UK.
After a lot of introspection and staring into the mirror, Vigilantes have independently achieved success and fought their way out of a cultural desert to perform at Radio 1's Big Weekend, Isle of Wight Festival, SXSW and support acts like Circa Waves, The Libertines and Reverend & the Makers.
Vigilantes craft a thoughtful, melodic style of indie rock that's as anthemic as it is atmospheric with thoughtful lyricism and explosive choruses. They do it so well that they have been placed on Radio 1's Best Of BBC Introducing playlist and had repeat airtime on BBC Radio 1, Radio 6 & Radio X. Noted by Fresh on the Net’s Tom Robinson as ‘On a mission’, Vigilantes were part of National Lottery/MVT's Revive Live Tour in 2022 and releasing their debut album in 2025.
"American influences with British hearts" - Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1
"There's good and there's very good. They are very good" - Phil Taggart, BBC Radio 1
"The power and tightness of the playing. Vigilantes will blow your socks off live" - Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6
Porcelain
Porcelain is a Newcastle-based alternative rock band known for their emotionally charged, atmospheric sound. Formed by Curtis Longstaff (vocals/guitar), Dan Wright (guitar), Adam Tibke (drums), and Kane Taylor (bass), the band crafts music that blends intricate guitarwork, dynamic rhythms, and deeply emotive lyrics.
Since their formation, Porcelain has earned attention for their powerful live performances and genre-spanning influences. Their sound channels the grit of alternative rock while incorporating the complexity of progressive and art rock. Drawing inspiration from bands like Muse, Radiohead, and Pink Floyd, Porcelain offers a unique take on rock that is both familiar and fresh—balancing expansive soundscapes with personal storytelling and introspective lyricism.
The band’s previous singles, including “Hearsay” and “Escape Routes,” have garnered critical acclaim, receiving airplay on BBC Radio 6 and BBC Introducing, along with support from Radio X, This Feeling, and Generator. Known for their high-energy live shows, Porcelain has performed at venues across the UK, rapidly building a reputation as one of the most exciting emerging acts in the alternative rock scene.
Wolfred
WOLFRED are a Newcastle based alternative rock three piece. They've played all over the UK including recent outings to The Glasshouse in Gateshead, The Cluny in Newcastle and Solfest in Cumbria. They've toured Italy, Ireland and had a visit to Shanghai to play the international arts festival.
"captivating...a clash of power and beauty" - Shakk BBC Introducing
"a mammoth new sound...mind-blowing...stratospheric" NE Volume Magazine
“..one of those addictive, anthemic voices” North East Hub
Event Details
A multi-artist, multi-room live music experience at the castle.
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Experience an unforgettable night of live music at Newcastle Castle, in collaboration with Sofar Sounds and LLIVELY Music. Explore the historic Great Hall, Chapel, and more, as multiple artists perform intimate sets across different rooms.
Enjoy a drink from the bar, browse exclusive merch, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this iconic venue.
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- 6 live music acts (with more to be revealed) performing in the Great Hall and Chapel of Newcastle Castle.
- A bar selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- A merchandise stand.
- An unforgettable night of live music!
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.This event takes place on Saturday 26th of July.
Doors will open at 6pm at the Castle Keep.
The event is expected to end at 10.30pm.
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This event is 18+.
We operate a strict over 18s policy and Challenge 25 will be in operation, so please bring photo ID with you!
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The Castle Keep has many stairs and uneven flooring which may be difficult for those with impaired mobility. The Castle Keep is not wheelchair accessible and there will be limited chairs at the venue.
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There are no toilets in the Castle Keep but our staff will be able to direct you towards the nearest public toilets.
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Please note that the Castle Keep has many steps and uneven floors so, sensible footwear is advised.
Furthermore, due to it being a historic building, the Castle Keep can get cold even in the summer so please dress appropriately.
Smoking is not permitted at this venue.
Paid parking is available near this venue.
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You can buy your ticket both on our website or on the Sofar Sounds website. We are both advertising the same event, and it doesn’t matter which provider you purchase your ticket from.
Buy your ticket now: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/newcastlecastle/items/638355/calendar/2025/07/?full-items=yes&ref=nccwebwhatson