One of the many bands to emerge from the ever-fertile Brixton Windmill scene (although they were originally formed in Manchester), Picture Parlour sound much more accomplished than a band this newly minted has any right to. A couple of strong early singles (Norwegian Wood and Judgement Day) and some cracking live gigs led to an Island Records deal and a 12” EP – Face In The Picture – that confirmed that they’re pretty special. Their glam-tinged, melodramatic, super-confident rock has built quite a following already, as well as a shout out from Courtney Love, and they’ve been landing some sought after support slots (most recently, Sunflower Bean). The usual misogynist sniping about their ‘instant’ success is nonsense, of course, and they stomp all over such nonsense with real swagger and style. Picture Parlour are going to tear Stockton a new one and you’ll want to be there. (Lee Fisher)
Taking some time out from folk fusion quartet The Cornshed Sisters to perform solo, Liz Corney is a familiar face on the North East music scene. As well as founding the four-piece folk group and playing keys for Field Music for many years, Corney has proved her endless versatility and garnered a substantial following. Releasing her debut solo album on North East label Butterfly Effect in 2024, her music is irresistibly joyful, promising to bring positivity to your day and a lift to your mood. Keen to explore the quirks and complexities of life through her music, Corney’s debut single Ceremonies was a deep dive into the expectations we have about adulthood and the milestones we celebrate. Come for the gentle reflections, stay for the mood boost and the unstoppable desire to dance. (Kate Relton)
When your name is this good, how can you fail, right? Formed by Jayne Dent (aka Me Lost Me) and folk musician Frankie Insley to fulfil a desire to be in a chaotic punk band, they were joined by the rhythm section of Sarah Li and James O’Coaimh and swiftly became the multi-media, dayglo-and-chainmail queer punk explosion that has been killing it on stages all over the North East for the last year or so. Their debut EP, No Thought Just Vibes, is a sub-18 minute blast of outsider joy and trauma dressed up as madcap cartoon energy and their live show is an ever-developing thing of wonder. (Lee Fisher)
Constantly evolving since she released her debut back in mid-2021, Leeds-based electronic artist Cherry Seraph cites the ‘queer trinity’ of The Japanese House, Marika Hackman and Beach House as her key influences, which gives you a good indication of her sound – narcotically drifting dream pop with plenty of innovative/interesting sounds, big on subtlety and detail. Her music is immersive and emotional, her lyrics frank and personal, adding up to songs that are affecting and intriguing. surely making her one of the most interesting acts playing this year’s festival. (Lee Fisher)
Newcastle-based neo-riot grrrl outfit Dinky Bosetti take their name – and perhaps some of their attitude – from Winona Ryder’s character in Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, which might be a clue to what they’re about. Their pop-punk/grunge sound (think The Replacements meets Babes In Toyland) comes with a heavy dose of queer politics and assaults on transphobia and empty gestures, as you can hear on their recent Pink, White & Blue EP. But this isn’t po-faced sloganeering – the melodies are as big as the message and their live shows are a ball of wild energy. (Lee Fisher)
Anna Stevo has been playing around the North East for a few years, and is clearly building up a lot of well-deserved support. She’s in the classic singer-songwriter vein and her choice of covers is reliably on point, versioning songs by Nico, Lana del Rey, Dylan and the like. She’s got a strong but vulnerable voice and plays some fine guitar, and is a regular face at pubs and clubs all over the area. Definitely one to watch. (Lee Fisher)
Line-ups are subject to change.
The Link is The Globe’s little sibling, an exciting multifunctional space, operating as a café, bar and live entertainment venue.
This stage is curated by Noisy Daughters who organise events with women and gender minorities front and centre. Artists they’ve booked in the past include: artists have included Liz Lawrence, The Mysterines, Loose Articles, Me Lost Me, Kay Greyson, ELLUR, Komparrison and Martha Hill.
Access information
Level flooring throughout the building. Wheelchair accessible toilet. Blue badge parking on Church Street, level route from Wellington Square car park.
