Come Together Festival 2025 : A Stellar First Year in Newcastle

On August 20, 2025, Newcastle’s Town Moor came alive with the inaugural Come Together Festival, and it was Irish singer-songwriter Nell Mescal who had the honour of kicking things off with an enchanting start.

Nell’s soulful voice and introspective indie-folk tunes instantly captivated the early crowd. Her heartfelt lyrics and delicate guitar work, with songs like “Teeth” and “Warm Body,” set a warm, inviting tone, drawing festival-goers into the magic of the day. With her raw talent and genuine charm, Nell proved the perfect opener, laying the foundation for the North East’s newest musical tradition to shine. From there, the festival erupted into a joyous celebration of music, community, and Geordie spirit. In its very first year, this North East gem, delivered an unforgettable day headlined by the inimitable Robbie Williams.

With 1000’s of fans dancing, singing, and soaking in the electric atmosphere, the festival proved that Newcastle knows how to throw a party. From the opening chords to the final encore, this was a day of pure magic—a brilliant debut that promises to grow into something truly spectacular. The energy soared as The Lottery Winners took the main stage, warming up a still-filling venue and absolutely smashing it.

Lead singer Thom Rylance was a comedic force of nature, his quick wit and infectious energy turning the early crowd into a buzzing sea of smiles. Thom worked the stage like a seasoned showman, cracking jokes and pulling a Robbie Williams look-alike from the audience for a hilarious sing-along that had everyone in stitches. In a moment of pure cheek, he gave a nod to the sign language interpreters, then playfully “tested” them by having them sign a series of outrageously rude phrases, earning roars of laughter. The band’s indie-pop anthems were the perfect spark, lighting the fuse for a day of non-stop fun.

Next up was Newcastle’s own Andrew Cushin, a local hero whose soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics felt like a warm embrace from the North East. His acoustic-driven set, packed with songs like “Where’s My Family Gone” and “Waiting for the Rain,” resonated deeply with fans who sang along with pride. Andrew’s raw, emotional performance was a reminder of the talent brewing in Newcastle’s streets, setting the stage for the star power to come.

Then came Perrie Edwards, the North East’s pop queen, who lit up the Moor with a set that was equal parts nostalgic and fresh. Belting out Little Mix classics like “Black Magic” and “Shout Out to My Ex,” Perrie had the crowd screaming every word, while her flawless covers of pop hits showcased her versatility. Her radiant energy and hometown pride shone through, making her performance a standout moment that felt like a family reunion. Despite a chilly breeze, Perrie’s warmth kept everyone glued to the moment, proving she’s a star in her own right.

As the evening rolled in, Kaiser Chiefs turned the energy up to eleven with a set that was pure, unadulterated indie-rock fire. Touring their Employment album, the band unleashed hits like “I Predict a Riot” and “Everyday I Love You Less and Less,” sending the crowd into a frenzy. Frontman Ricky Wilson, as electrifying as he was 20 years ago, leaped, spun, and bounded across the stage with relentless energy, his charisma igniting the Moor. The sea of fans jumped in unison, hands in the air, as the band’s anthems echoed across the festival grounds-a perfect prelude to the main event.

At 9:00 PM, the one and only Robbie Williams strutted onto the stage in a dazzling red diamanté outfit, backed by a jaw-dropping AI-infused video display that paid homage to TikTok and even Elvis. For two hours, Robbie was the ultimate showman, weaving together a setlist of hits like “Angels,” “Rock DJ,” and “Let Me Entertain You” with stories from his wild younger days. His humour was self-deprecating yet heartfelt, candidly touching on the troubles he has faced over the years with a vulnerability that made the crowd love him even more.

Robbie’s crowd interaction was next level, he invited the same Robbie look-alike from The Lottery Winners’ set to sing a few lines, sparking cheers and laughter. From leading sing-alongs to sharing cheeky anecdotes, he made the massive 35,000 strong crowd feel like old mates at a pub. The encore, capped with a soaring rendition of “She’s the One,” left everyone buzzing, their voices hoarse from singing.

Beyond the music, Come Together was a feast for the senses. The food stalls, serving everything from local burgers to vegan delights, kept bellies happy, while cashless bars ensured drinks flowed smoothly (though the Challenge 25 policy had some fans digging for IDs). Funfair rides glowed against the evening sky, and immersive art installations added a creative spark. The staff were the unsung heroes-always smiling, endlessly helpful, and quick to assist, whether guiding fans to the right stage or ensuring everyone felt safe.

The atmosphere was electric, a beautiful mix of ages, backgrounds, and vibes, all united by the music. Even a very brief rain shower couldn’t dim the mood, Geordies know how to dance through the drizzle. The festival’s commitment to inclusivity shone through, with welfare tents, accessible facilities (though viewing areas filled up fast), and the “Ask for Angela” initiative creating a safe, welcoming space. For a first-year event, Come Together was remarkably polished, delivering a day that felt like a love letter to Newcastle. Any gripes about the venue’s layout and crowd flow were easily overshadowed by the overwhelming positivity and Geordie spirit that defined this unforgettable day.

The Come Together Festival debut proved that the North East can host a world-class event with heart, soul, and a touch of mischief. With its stellar lineup, incredible atmosphere, and friendly staff, it’s already carved a place in Newcastle’s cultural calendar. Here’s hoping this is just the start of something spectacular, a festival that grows bigger, bolder, and even more iconic in the years to come. For now, August 20, 2025, will go down as one of the best days Newcastle has ever seen.

Rating: 10/10 – A perfect launch that blended global stars, local talent, and an unbeatable vibe. The North East’s newest tradition is hopefully here to stay!