- Play Hard
- 20th Jun 2025
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Live from the keep: This intimate gig in Newcastle Castle next weekend is one for your diary
Live music in a medieval castle? Put Saturday 26th July in your diary.
There’s something pretty magical about the idea of a secret gig. Add in candlelight, cushions, and centuries-old stone walls, and you’ve got the kind of night that’s anything but ordinary. Enter: Sofar Sounds, LLIVELY Music x Newcastle Castle – a brand-new collaboration bringing stripped-back live music sets to one of the city’s most historic landmarks.
And yes, there’s food. And fairy lights.
We caught up with Laura Rosierse, the event organiser behind this brilliant idea to get the lowdown on what to expect and why it’s not just for hardcore gig-goers, but for anyone who loves a little culture with their weekend.
From turrets to tune-ups
The concept is simple – Sofar Sounds (short for ‘Songs From a Room’) is all about transforming unexpected spaces into intimate music venues. Think bookshops, barbershops, back gardens… and now, a 12th-century Norman fortress.
“For us, it’s about highlighting the importance of seeing performing arts, creative professionals, and music in another setting than we are used to,” Laura tells us. “The castle is such a rich part of Newcastle’s history, and by hosting a Sofar night there, we’re showing how heritage and the arts can come together to create something really special.”
It’s not every day you get to watch a rising music star perform in the same spot knights and nobles once wandered. But somehow, it works. Beautifully.
Not your average gig night
So, what actually happens at a Sofar Sounds night in the castle? For one, you’ll witness performances from a diverse range of promising talent covering all genres. That’s all part of the magic – surprises and that sense of shared discovery with the rest of the audience.
You’ll be welcomed into the Castle Keep, decked out for the evening with soft lighting, cosy corners, and seating scattered across the stone floors. It’s about as far from a sticky-floored, noisy pub gig as you can get – in the best way possible.
And don’t worry, it’s not all standing room and mystery – there’s plenty of comfort to go around. “We’ll have blankets, cushions, a bar for drinks, and even a merch ‘store’ tucked away in the Garrison Room,” Laura shares. “It’s designed to be welcoming, even for people who might usually find live gigs a bit overwhelming.”
Castle snacks and feel-good sounds
While the music takes centre stage, there’s more than one treat in store. Outside the Castle Keep, the brilliant Hake Foods team will be serving up crowd-pleasing plates – so come hungry.
Inside, you’ll find a small bar with local drinks, and there’ll be friendly castle staff on hand if you fancy learning more about the venue’s formidable history. (Trust us, this place has seen it all.)
As for the performers? Expect soul-stirring vocals, honest lyrics, and all the vibes. The lineup includes India Arkin, Joe Goodall, Rivkala, WOLFRED, Vigilantes, and Porcelain – musicians who blend theatre, emotion, and performance into something truly unique.
“What unites them is their passion and the way they connect with audiences. They’re the kind of artists that make you feel something – and that’s what this event is really about.”
Laura says.
First-timer friendly
If you’ve never been to a Sofar gig, let alone one inside a castle, don’t stress. The whole experience is designed to be laid-back, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone – music buff or not.
“We’ve tried to curate a really versatile lineup, so there’s something for all tastes,” Laura adds. “We’re also working with the castle team to reach people who might not normally go to live music events – it’s a gentle introduction in a beautiful space.”
Whether you’re coming solo, with your partner, or dragging your mates along for a spontaneous Saturday night, you’ll be met with warm vibes, good sounds, and a crowd that genuinely listens.
A night to remember
Beyond the tunes and the snacks and the novelty of live music in a medieval venue, there’s something deeper at play here. Connection.
“This isn’t just about putting on a gig,” says Laura. “It’s about creating a space – not just physical, but emotional – where people can feel like they belong, where artists can perform and actually feel safe and seen.”
If that doesn’t make you want to grab a ticket, we don’t know what will.
LOCATION: Newcastle Castle, The Black Gate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ
WHEN? Saturday 26th July 2025, 6pm
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