On Saturday 11th October, Gosforth Civic Theatre will come alive with the sounds of folk and roots music as it hosts the third annual ‘Beyond the Moor’ festival. This one-day event has quickly become a highlight of Newcastle’s cultural calendar, bringing together established artists and rising talent in a space that feels both intimate and electric.
The day opens with the lively energy of Ross Couper & Tom Oakes, a fiddle-and-guitar duo whose music draws on Scottish, Irish, Shetland, and Scandinavian traditions. Their intricate, toe-tapping melodies, paired with contemporary rhythms, make for a spirited introduction to the festival. Next, Ceitidh Mac, a Welsh-born, Tyneside-based singer-songwriter and cellist, takes the stage. Her voice soars over progressive arrangements that seamlessly blend live folk with electronic textures, creating music that feels both timeless and startlingly fresh.
Local audiences will enjoy Nev Clay, a Newcastle stalwart whose songs carry decades of stories and emotion. His performances are intimate, heartfelt, and full of charm. Meanwhile, Andy Watt, multi-instrumentalist and leader of The Carnival Band, brings precision, creativity, and deep expertise to the stage, turning every song into a masterclass in musicianship.
Emerging talent is celebrated with Eddie Doyle, a singer-songwriter from County Wexford whose original compositions are thoughtful, personal, and compelling. The festival also showcases the next generation through the Newcastle University Folk Degree Ensemble, whose energy and skill promise glimpses of the future of folk music.
Headlining the day are Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening, whose ‘Ancient Northumbrian Futurism’ fuses traditional melodies with contemporary flair. Tickell’s Northumbrian smallpipes and fiddle, paired with her ensemble’s rich sound, deliver performances that are deeply rooted yet thrillingly new. If you’ve never heard the Northumbrian smallpipes live, Tickell’s set is not to be missed. The festival concludes with the legendary Martin Simpson, a guitarist and songwriter whose emotive playing and masterful storytelling have earned him global acclaim.
‘Beyond the Moor’ isn’t just about music; it’s about community. With two stages running from 3:00pm to 10:00pm, plus food and drink to enjoy, it’s a place to connect, relax, and be swept up in the magic of live performance. By the end of the day, attendees will leave humming, smiling, and already looking forward to next year’s festival.
Tickets, priced from £25.00 in advance, are available from gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk.
