Tyneside Americana Blues Festival 2025  Hits the Right Note in North Shields

Jan 13, 2025

Passionate music fans Stephen Donnelly and Jonny Clegg successfully brought together their musical heroes for the second Tyneside Americana Blues Festival, held from January 10th-12th, 2025, at the newly renovated Exchange 1856 in North Shields. The festival built on the success of its inaugural show in January 2024, delivering an even bigger and better celebration of music.

The response to the first festival was overwhelmingly positive. “We had an amazing turnout last year,” Stephen Donnelly reflected. “This year, we expanded the lineup, moved to a larger venue, and welcomed even more fans to share in this unforgettable experience.

The 2025 festival boasted a stellar lineup that thrilled audiences, including John Verity, Deborah Bonham, Rhino’s Revenge, Medicine Head and Animals and Friends featuring original drummer John Steel from The Animals. As well as nationally renowned artists, the local scene was represented with talent including Fleeting Rumours, STAN the Band, The Caffreys, Ash Lynch and Teesside based North Riding featuring Hayley MacKay and Dave Crabtree. 

Jonny Clegg, co-organiser said that the festival had a significant impact on the local economy, repeating the success of the previous year. “We’ve had people coming to the three-day festival from all over the UK including Scotland, Lancashire and the Midlands. Our local businesses have benefited by supplying accommodation, taxis and restaurants. It’s put North Shields firmly on the map as a cultural hotspot.”

Reflecting on the festival’s success, fellow organiser Stephen Donnelly said, 

“The Tyneside Americana Blues Festival 2025 proved to be a remarkable celebration of music, community, and culture, and the feedback we’ve had already is that the fans are eagerly anticipating the next festival.” 

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