Winter 2025-26: 15 Big Music Moments in Newcastle

December

If you’re looking to get into the festive spirit this December, then tickets to Swing into Christmas at Newcastle Cathedral are a must. Led by the 30-piece Down for the Count Swing Orchestra, you’ll hear classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald – plus a few festive swing favourites thrown in for good measure! (2^nd December 2025)

Liverpool-formed trio The Wombats have been entertaining indie fans since forming in the early 2000s and this December, they’re stopping by Utilita Arena on the Newcastle leg of their latest tour. Expect songs from throughout their 20+ year career, and tracks from their new album Oh! The Ocean, alongside support from special guests The Snuts. (5^th December 2025)

Dig out those ‘Baggy Trousers’ and go ‘One Step Beyond’ when ska legends Madness also stop by Utilita Arena this December! The band are embarking on a major UK arena tour showcasing all their biggest and best hits and they’ll be joined by Squeeze as support – ‘Cool for Cats’ or what?! (9^th December 2025)

Continuing the 80s vibes this December, legendary Scottish rockers Big Country are playing at the Boiler Shop. Known for anthems like ‘In A Big Country’ and ‘Fields of Fire’, they’re heading out on the road in support of their latest album Eastworld, so expect classics tracks and new sounds. (17^th December 2025)

North Shields-born rave legend Schak is back in the Toon this festive season and doing what he does best – an ultra-upbeat evening of spinning high-energy tracks. His festive homecoming gigs always sell out fast, so get those tickets booked while you can! (20^th December 2025)

January

Legendary local actor and musician Jimmy Nail is kicking off the new year with a string of dates at Live Theatre. Joined by fellow North East musicians including Trevor Brewis and Michael McCrystal, he’ll be performing songs from his hit BBC series Crocodile Shoes in support of a new stage musical currently in development at the theatre. (13th – 18^th January 2026)

A must-do for fans of the Fab Four, The Beatles by Candlelight comes to Newcastle Cathedral this January. Take a seat in the stunning candlelit surrounds of the Cathedral as a talented band and live singers perform their biggest and best-loved hits – from ‘Help!’ and ‘Hey Jude’ to ‘Let it Be’ and ‘All You Need is Love’. (16^th January 2026)

Back by popular demand, the London Symphonic Rock Orchestra makes a welcome return to the stage at Tyne Theatre & Opera House this winter. Mixing classical music and rock with reimagined songs by the likes of Rage Against the Machine, AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, their shows are always electrifying, and tickets sell like hotcakes – so get yours booked quick! (17^th January 2026)

Calling all ‘Super Troupers’! Get ready for a night of 70s throwback fun when Waterloo: A Tribute to ABBA coms to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. A sensational show featuring a full live cast and band alongside amazing costumes and choreography – and all of the Swedish group’s greatest hits, of course – it’s one ABBA fans won’t want to miss. (23^rd December 2026)

Ever wondered what an Elvis Presley/Nirvana crossover would sound like? Well, wonder no more because Elvana are playing at O2 City Hall in January. Touted as “the world’s finest Elvis-fronted tribute to Nirvana”, the Newcastle-formed band will be on top form and performing all of Nirvana’s best songs with a King of Rock ‘n’ Roll twist. (31^st January 2026)

February

The vocal powerhouse that is Florence Welch – aka  Florence + The Machine – is on the road this winter to celebrate the release of her latest album Everybody Scream and luckily for us, she’s making a stop off at Utilita Arena. Better yet, she’s bringing folk pop sensation Paris Paloma with her too, who’ll be opening her show at the arena in February. (11^th February 2026)

Next up, there’s a pair of fantastic gigs happening on the most loved-up day of the year. First, Middlesbrough-born singer-songwriter Amelia Coburn is set to enchant audiences at The Common Room with her signature dreamy folk sounds – head along and find out exactly why she’s one of the UK’s most talked-about rising stars. (14^th February 2026)

Alternatively, head to Wylam Brewery and get into the Cupid spirit with The St. Valentine’s Day Love Train. Performed by the amazing Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir, accompanied by a full band and horn section, you’re invited to dance the night away to classic Motown and soul love songs. Bring your bestie or your beloved – it’s bound to be a blast either way! (14^th February 2026)

It's been 20 years since local alt rockers Maximo Park released their debut album A Certain Trigger and to mark the occasion they’re heading out on a tour with a two-night stop at O2 City Hall Newcastle. Expect to hear bangers from their first outing alongside hits from throughout their career. (21^st – 22^nd February 2026)

Also celebrating the 20^th anniversary of their debut album are Glaswegian rockers The Fratellis, rounding out February with two gigs at NX. They’ll be playing songs from Costello Music up until their latest album Half Drunk Under a Full Moon, and their first night has already sold out – so get tickets booked for their second date sharpish! (24^th February 2026)

Whatever your cup of musical tea is – pop, ska, indie, soul or rock – there’s a gig for you in Newcastle this winter so brave the cold weather, head out and enjoy!

Main image: Florence + The Machine / Image courtesy Utilita Arena Newcastle

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