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Festival on the Wall – Update

ByThe Avant Garde

So last week I got really excited about the fact that I don’t have to travel over two hundred miles to go to a cool new festival. And the more I find out, the more I’m amazed that it’s actually happening in my region! After experiencing Bestival and Festival No.6 in the past couple of years, I’m confident that Festival on the Wall will be in the same vein, and offer an unforgettable event even in it’s first year. 

I especially love the fact that the headliners have links to the North East (The Libertines Pete Doherty hails from Hexham, and the Pet Shop Boys Neil Tennant was born in North Shields). The talent will surely attract festival goers from far and wide. Its founder, Dale Mason, is from Northumberland and has worked with business partner Richard Gillies for over two years to make it happen. They have a skilled festivals team on board and know what they’re doing. Dale is passionate about the North East and creating the UK’s happiest and most sustainable festival.

Pet Shop Boys

He’s thought for some time that our amazing region needs a music festival to be proud of and where better than the stunning Northumberland countryside, just a few miles from our world-famous landmark Hadrian’s Wall? (He’s right there, I’ve thought the same thing for years). Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Tourism are firmly behind the event, which is expected to massively boost tourism and the local economy. Local businesses and suppliers will also benefit from working with the Festival. If you’re not familiar with Northumberland, arrange to stay for a few more days to take in all the delights of the region. It’s home to world-class heritage sites, it’s an International Dark Sky Park, and boasts beautiful countryside and beaches, great restaurants and pubs serving delicious local produce. 

The Libertines
I’m also with him about festivals being one of the only remaining ways to experience a sense of community and belonging. I’ve never felt as connected to other people as when I’ve been at a festival. (Last year I went to Festival No.6 by myself and met amazing people all over the place). The organisers’ commitment to sustainability means that the unique landscape will be protected. They aim to find innovative ways to minimise waste, control carbon emissions and working locally to create jobs and long-term economic benefit. Festival on the Wall is partnering with Newcastle College to offer work experience opportunities for local students, as well as the chance for music students to play at the festival. There will also be internship posts available for local University students who are interested in careers in the creative industries. 


Tickets are on sale now (adult tickets are £180 + £9 fee, VIP adult tickets are £340 + £17 fee, with £10 from each ticket sale going to UNICEF). There’s also a deposit scheme where you can pay 50% of the ticket price now to secure your ticket, and the balance on April 1st). 

The full line-up is yet to be revealed (the Sunday schedule hasn’t been made public yet) so keep your eyes peeled for more announcements in the coming weeks and months. My friend from London is going with me and we can’t wait for the full festival experience (find out more here).

To find out more about Festival on the Wall click here for the official website.

To follow the Festival on Twitter click here

To follow the Festival on Facebook click here

To follow the Festival on Instagram click here

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