This young Sunderland four-piece are a thrilling proposition, particularly if you like punk that isn’t afraid to push envelopes. From the funked-up rhythms of ‘Period Pad/I’m Glad’ (absolutely my fave song about period poverty), to the soaring indie-rock …

This year’s Hexham Abbey Festival is rich in journeys—musical and actual— crossing continents and oceans… This year’s festival is chockablock with amazing shows that will make full use of Hexham Abbey—surely one of the most evocative venues anywhere in…

Earlier this year, the North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, pledged support for the region’s creative industries including a new £2.2m Small Venues Fund. Fancy a slice? Small venues (such as Independent in Sunderland – pictured) are the absolute lifeblood…