The Road to Hardwick returns in 2025, kicking off on April 25 at Newgate Social in Newcastle, promising a bigger, bolder platform for the North East’s emerging music talent. This year’s competition will feature 21 rising acts battling across four heats for a coveted mainstage slot at Hardwick Festival 2025, where they’ll perform alongside global stars like Pet Shop Boys, Scissor Sisters, and Olly Murs.
Building on last year’s success—where Swindled and Camel Island earned mainstage spots—the event introduces a new acoustic strand, offering singer-songwriters a chance to secure a performance in the festival’s Treehouse Arena, with acoustic heats hosted at The WonderBar, downstairs from Newgate Social.
The competition unfolds with heats on April 25, May 9, May 23, and June 6, followed by semi-finals on June 20 and July 4, culminating in a grand final on July 18. A distinguished judging panel, including;
Johny Bond (formerly of Catfish and the Bottlemen),
Angie Jenkinson (CEO of Sir Graham Wylie Foundation),
Leigh Macfarlane (Songbird Management),
David Haley (Generator),
Josh Daniel (Interval Records), will guide the selection process.
David Haley emphasized the event’s role in nurturing talent, noting its unique opportunity for artists to gain exposure to industry experts and perform at a top UK festival.
Newgate Social, located at The Gate in Newcastle, sets the stage for vibrant live performances, fostering an electric atmosphere. Manager Cheryl Flowers highlighted the city’s excitement, inviting fans to support the diverse line-up, which spans genres from emo and indie to shoegaze, alt-rock, country-soul, and synth-driven dance tracks. Standout acts include the post-hardcore edge of Ochisia, Wednesday Flowers’ haunting vocals, and the high-energy Decrepit Youths, who call the platform “surreal” and “next-level.”
The 2025 heats feature a rich mix:
Heat 1 (April 25) includes Leazes and Ochisia;
Heat 2 (May 9) showcases Provenance and Wednesday Flowers;
Heat 3 (May 23) brings Decrepit Youths and Dawks;
Heat 4 (June 6) features Frankie Dobson and Pearly Gates.
Last year’s winners, Swindled and Camel Island, will perform at the semi-final and final, inspiring this year’s contenders.
Winners will receive a Hardwick Festival mainstage slot, professional recording time, industry mentorship, press support, release strategy advice, and surprise perks. The acoustic winner will earn a Treehouse Arena performance, with further details forthcoming. The Road to Hardwick 2025 is set to amplify the North East’s musical future.
Tickets to all Road to Hardwick events are completely FREE, but must be booked in advance at: https://rb.gy/io63st
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