The Gathering Sounds is set to feature 40+ acts over six stages on one massive day in Stockton this September. Gonna be good.

This event is absolutely fizzing with good stuff, wherever you look, and Stockton this September is set to be THE place to catch the hottest up and coming live artists in the UK (including a healthy sprinkling of north-east talent). Among the acts set to show their wares will be swim school (pictured – this Edinburgh three-piece are a knockout live with their Wolf Alice-like indie-rock), The Royston Club (rising indie Wrexham band who have already won a devoted fanbase since releasing their debut album last year), Fat Dog (South London outfit signed to Domino and described by the NME as “2023’s wildest live band”), overpass (anthemic guitar rock from Birmingham) and Antony Szmierek (the multi-talented spoken word and indie hip-hop artist). I’d also keep a look out for Borough Council (with their taut and very cool post-punk sound) and Erotic Secrets of Pompeii (a Bristol band dealing in the best in apocalyptic art rock). There will be loads of great local acts to feast on too including the likes of the very brilliant Pit Pony and Komparrison, both of whom kick up a right old fuss. DP

The Gathering Sounds, Saturday 28 September, The Georgian Theatre, ARC & ARC 2, Ku Bar, The Storytellers, The Social Room, Stockton, 2pm, from £25, facebook.com/TheGatheringSounds; fatsoma.com