Gathering Sounds Festival unveils first wave of acts for 2024, including The Royston Club

A much-loved music festival has announced its first wave of acts as it prepares to return to Teesside this summer.

In what is expected to be the festival's most ambitious line-up to date, Teesside's Gathering Sounds Festival will take place in September and see the likes of indie force The Royston Club, South London’s Fat Dog and British indie rock duo Wings of Desire take to the stage. Organisers have also confirmed this year's Leeds Festival openers The Kites will be performing as well as one of the UK's most hotly tipped bands, The Cheap Thrills from Liverpool.

Set to take place across multiple venues in Stockton on Saturday, September 28, organisers say this year's festival promises to be bigger, bolder, and better than ever before and will also feature a huge selection of emerging North-east music including Newcastle’s Pit Pony, Teesside singer-songwriter Sarah Johnsone and indie-rockers Lost in Translation.

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"We're incredibly excited to reveal this fantastic line-up for Gathering Sounds Festival 2024," says festival organiser Jimmy Beck. "We've handpicked a diverse range of acts, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a fan of indie, rock, or electronic music, you won't be disappointed!

“There’s still loads more to be announced including stages curated by Under the Influence, This Feeling and Famous Last Words as well as a very special guest headliner.

“This first wave of acts represent the very best of up-and-coming musical talent from across the North-east and beyond. Get ready to witness some of the UK’s hottest musical prospects in a variety of intimate venues.”

Here is the first wave of acts announced:

Headliners The Royston Club, hailing from Wrexham, North Wales, The Royston Club are the new Welsh band making waves in the UK and beyond. Hailing from Wrexham, the band released debut album ‘Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars' last summer with big chart success, before going onto play major festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and completing their own sold-out UK and EU headline tour.

Fat Dog, a boundary-pushing ensemble from South London, defy categorisation with their unique blend of dance and punk. Their electrifying live performances, led by a drummer adorned in a latex dog mask, have made them the talk of the town, earning them a reputation for wild, unpredictable shows reminiscent of the best alternative scenes. Signed to Domino Records, their debut single 'King of the Slugs' showcased their ability to capture their energetic live vibe on record. But beyond the music, Fat Dog prioritises spirit over seriousness, ensuring that their infectious energy remains at the forefront of everything they do.

Wings of Desire, inspired by psychological revolution, visual arts, and 20th-century counterculture, meanwhile, serve as a creative outlet for a generation searching for meaning. Their Factory Records-era aesthetic reflects a desire to mirror the shifting cultural landscape, urging listeners to explore the intangible aspects of existence. For the Stroud duo, music is more than mere entertainment; it's a tool for transcendence, a reminder that life extends beyond the material realm.

For tickets and more information click here.