Utilita Arena Announces Grassroots Artist Initiative 'Powering Up' Local Talent
Today, Utilita Arena Newcastle is proud to announce an innovative new initiative to support grassroots artists in the North East, in collaboration with Utilita Energy – the UK’s leading Smart PAYG energy supplier.
Launching next Tuesday, 16 September as part of the Grennan ’25 tour - Tom Grennan’s biggest ever arena tour - Utilita Arena Newcastle will be giving up-and-coming North East artists the chance to perform in our Utilita Lounge, before the main act takes to the stage.
The artists performing in the Utilita Lounge have been hand-selected by industry professionals including Generator, Stitch Redman Music Management and the Sunday For Sammy team.
Artists will be featured on our Utilita Arena Newcastle social pages, with a combined following of 188,000 and will also have advertisement across digital screens throughout the arena, to encourage concert goers to follow the artists on socials.
Each up-and-coming artist will be paid for their performance in out Utilita Lounge, with the costs covered by both Utilita Arena Newcastle and Utilita Energy.
As part of recent refurbishments, Utilita Arena Newcastle has also built a dedicated dressing room adjacent to the Utilita Lounge so the artists can relax pre and post-show. The artists will be provided with a meal and a drink and will also sign a record, so we can commemorate their performance at the arena forever.
Utilita Arena Newcastle’s goal for the campaign is to help pave the way for artists to go from our Utilita Lounge to our main stage.
aroline James, General Manager at Utilita Arena Newcastle said: "We’re absolutely ecstatic to be launching this new initiative that directly supports developing artists in the North East.
“Grassroots artists and venues are the beating heart of the music industry and we’re excited to be supporting artists from the very start of their journey.”
Jem Maidment, CMO Utilita, added: “Oasis and Coldplay are packing out stadiums around the world – both started in pubs and small venues.
“Without that grassroots support who knows where they’d be now? Independent venues are slowly dying – last year one every fortnight shut its doors, with another 200 in danger of collapsing – so it is becoming harder for new acts to find a stage, perform and grow.
“That’s why this is so important. The North East has an incredible musical heritage – The Animals, Whitesnake, Mark Knopfler, Dave A Stewart, Sam Fender to name but a few.
“Working with Utilita Arena Newcastle, Sunday For Sammy, Generator and Stitch Redman, we can give the next generation a stage – and an audience – to show off their talents. One may even be on the main stage in a few years’ time.”
