Newcastle is set to come alive once again as the much-loved celebration of music, comedy and the arts returns on Saturday 18th April.
The Aelius Alternative Festival will take over the city centre for a full day of performances, showcasing some of the best emerging local, regional and UK talent. Across multiple venues, festival-goers can experience the energy, diversity and strong community spirit that the festival has become known for.
The first wave of artist announcements already promises something special. Fans can look forward to performances from Hannah Robinson, Be Quiet. Shout Loud!, Hels Pattison and Risco, alongside the folk-infused ensemble Inglenook. The group return with a set expected to be intimate, warm and rich in storytelling. These early announcements highlight the festival’s signature blend of genre-crossing sounds, fresh voices and memorable performances that keep audiences returning year after year.
Attendees will move between several city-centre venues, including The Globe, Head of Steam and The Telegraph, as well as a special Sofar Sounds stage. The line-up will offer everything from alt-rock and indie anthems to experimental live performances and powerful singer-songwriter sets that have the ability to stop audiences in their tracks.
Beyond music, Aelius Alternative continues to shine a spotlight on spoken word and comedy. Poets, storytellers and comedians will take to the stage alongside the festival’s musical acts, creating a vibrant mix of artistic expression throughout the day. Festival-goers often find themselves lingering in venues, enjoying a coffee or a pint while discovering an unexpected performance and experiencing that distinctive “anything can happen” festival magic.
“Aelius is about more than just music,” says festival director Laura Rosierse. “It’s about community, discovery and supporting artists at every stage of their journey. We want people to explore Newcastle, hear something new and maybe leave inspired to create something themselves. Each year, we aim to connect audiences with artists they might not encounter anywhere else.”
The festival also places a strong emphasis on artist support and wellbeing, working in partnership with NAME Academy, TYNE + QUEER, Off Axis Scotland and Tonic Music for Mental Health. These collaborations provide artists with resources, networks and support to help them grow while ensuring the festival remains inclusive and welcoming.
Whether you are a seasoned festival-goer or new to Newcastle’s creative scene, Aelius Alternative 2026 promises a day filled with discovery, laughter and the unmistakable energy of a city alive with music and art.
Tickets, priced at £17.00 in advance, are available at aeliusaltfestcom.wordpress.com.
