This year’s Stockton Calling features 40+ artists playing six venues in the town over the course of one day. In short: gig-goers’ Christmas.

A cursory glance at some of the acts that have played previous Stockton Calling events show just how much the organisers have been on-the-money when it comes to programming the event. Sam Fender, Self Esteem, Blossoms and Circa Waves have all played earlier incarnations, and this year’s event is promising even more fireworks. As ever, the emphasis will be on rising stars, but there are also some big hitters in the offing including the mighty Maximo Park. Other names to look out for include The Paddingtons, Lizzie Esau (pictured), Big Special, Finn Forster, Melanie Baker and The Chase. Further down the bill we’d also put a big tick next to artists such as Dressed Like Wolves, Gans, Avalanche Party, Imogen and the Knife, Liz Corney, Marina Josephina and Parissa Zarifi – but, in truth, there is quality wherever you look. JL

Stockton Calling, Saturday 19 April, ARC, ARC2, KU, The Georgian Theatre, The Social Room, The Green Room, Stockton, from 1pm, £40, stocktoncalling.co.uk