Grainger Market Unplugged: Grainger Market

Grainger Market Unplugged is returning for the Mercury Prize Fringe, showcasing acoustic sets from some of the most exciting emerging North East artists throughout the day. Experience live music for free every hour, on the hour in the market taking you from brunch to bait and tea.

Pay bar will be open across the day.

Grainger Market Unplugged line up:

FAWNS

County Durham’s indie-folk duo FAWNS; known for their emotionally charged song writing laced with their rich vocal harmony driven delivery and accompanied with an acoustic guitar, banjo and harmonica. Their authentic style draws comparison from The Unthanks and The Staves.

Insta - @fawnsband Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qCfnhHaxtHIurp0fiUKjH

Sam Bennett

Originally from Teesside, but now residing in North Shield, singer-songwriter Sam Bennett will be bringing his emotionally raw songs written about everyday people, places and personal experiences. Expect to hear a blend of indie-folk, Americana and alternative country.

Insta - @sambennett_music

Hels Pattison

Newcastle’s alt-Americana artist, Hels Pattison brilliantly blends traditional country soul with raw contemporary edge and will be bringing a little honky tonk to proceedings with her candid storytelling.

Insta - @helspattisonmusic Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ZVsmkb08lWVPQyn8rjfRk

Josh Webb

Newcastle’s own rising singer-songwriting stars, Josh Webb is known for his heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. After a busy year in 2025 releasing his debut single and EP, Josh is proving why he is one of the North East’s promising young artists.

Insta - @joshwebbmusic Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1RNLbGeLlKjAJa7WhvaSxB

Polyvinyl

Fresh from headlining the Roots stage at Kendal calling, Polyvinyl are ready to take to Grainger Market as they treat shoppers to a stripped back set of their shimmering indiepop. This intimate set will really showcase their powerful vocals and their creative ambition.

Insta - @polyvinylband Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Hdg8vsEwSljDrRAgOgDpz

Bear Park

No strangers to the Newcastle music scene, three-piece Bear Park are stripping back their jangly upbeat surf-tinged indie for a special acoustic set. Their debut album, produced by Gary Powell of The Liberteens, provides listeners with fifty minutes of genre-hopping originals, but what will they bring to our thirty minute set at Grainger Market Unplugged.

Insta - @bearparkmusic Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5s37ObiA9RbL6x7oLLFw6U

Your Saturday shopping at Grainger Market just got a soundtrack!

Event is part of Mercury Prize Fringe. Supported by Creative Central NCL and programmed by The Support Act - Neave Farry.