15 cool summer events in northeast England [2025 guide]
Need something to do this summer? It's all kicking off in the North East. Discover 15 fantastic summer events.
Are you in northeast England? Want to get out there and enjoy some sunshine? Good news: there are some fantastic events to look forward to this summer.
From fist-pumping festivals to family shows, there's something happening to suit all ages and all tastes. Let's dive in.
1. The Hoppings
When: Friday 20 to Sunday 29 June
Where:
Town Moor, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets:
free entry (rides priced individually)
The Hoppings is Europe's largest funfair, boasting more than 400 of the UK's biggest and brightest attractions. There will be plenty of food vendors to keep you fuelled with deliciousness throughout the day, too. Whether you're seeking thrills or summer vibes, you'll find them here.
2. Coast Fest
When: Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June
Where: Percy Park RFC, Preston Avenue, North Shields
Tickets: from £25.00
Awarded Best New Festival at the UK Festival Awards in 2023, Coast Fest promises "an exhilarating weekend of live music and family-friendly entertainment".
Friday night sees Laidback Luke and Window Kid igniting the stage, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend featuring more than 150 artists. There are multiple stages, including the Rave Cave, Tyne Idols Bus Stage, and Youth Stage, guaranteeing entertainment for all ages.
3. Mouth of The Tyne Festival
When: Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July
Where: Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Tickets: from £33.00
Experience one of the region's best-loved festivals on its 20th anniversary at the stunning Tynemouth Priory. Fabulous artists, street entertainers and a separate jazz stage will usher in an unmissable weekend.
This year's stars include alt-rock icons Elbow and 80s legends UB40, joined by special guests Soul II Soul. And Katie Grace, our own North Tyneside rising star, will showcase her wistful folk storytelling.
On Sunday afternoon, meanwhile, Martin Humes of JLS will transport us back in time with a celebration of the music and fashion of the 2000s. It promises to be the ultimate noughties party.
4. Lost Minds Festival (18+ only)
When: Saturday 12 July
Where:
Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets:
from £66.67
At this year's Lost Minds Festival, world-class DJs will bring an electric lineup of trance, dance and techno across four beat-fuelled stages. Expect big names like Scooter, Ben Nicky, Symmetrik and Italian hardstyle duo TNT.
5. Newcastle Pride
When: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July
Where: Central Park at Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets: from £25
This year's iconic parade will fill the streets with rainbow hues and high energy. Over the weekend, live music, vibrant food stalls, unique market vendors and a variety of workshops aim to inspire connection and empowerment. This is a space where everyone is welcome, whether LGBTQ+ or ally.
The special highlights for the weekend will include show-stopping performances from stars like Pixie Lott and RuPaul's Drag Race finalist Michael Maroul.
The Candlelit Vigil will bring the weekend to a close on Sunday at 9 pm.
6. Kynren
When: Saturday 19 July to Saturday 13 September
Where:
11Arches, Flatts Farm, Toronto, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 7SF
Tickets:
adult tickets from £30; child tickets from £20
This award-winning night-time show is an experience no one will forget. Over 90 minutes, you'll go on a journey through British history, myth and legend – starring none other than King Arthur himself.
7. Durham Fringe Festival
When: Wednesday 23 to Sunday 27 July
Where: Durham City Centre
Tickets: from £10
Durham Fringe Festival promises five days of theatre, comedy, music and spoken word. This vibrant event features pop-up performances in unexpected venues and showcases emerging and established talent. There's something for everyone here.
8. Less Stress Fest
When: Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August
Where:
West Benridge Farm, Morpeth NE61 3RZ
Tickets:
TBA
Less Stress Fest describes itself as "an intimate music and arts festival with a curated lineup of the very best in electronic, underground and avant-garde music". You can also expect tasty street food, delicious drinks and a smattering of live street art.
9. Seaham Food Festival
When: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August
Where:
Seaham, County Durham
Tickets:
free entry
"Delicious street food, cookery classes, live music, TV chefs and tasty local produce." What more could you want? Yum.
10. Hardwick Festival
When: Saturday 16 to Monday 18 August
Where: Hardwick Hall, County Durham
Tickets: from £79 for a day ticket (weekend camping tickets also available)
One of the North East's most anticipated family music festivals, Hardwick always delivers a star-studded lineup. Get ready to be entertained by this year's fantastic headliners, Scissor Sisters, Pet Shop Boys and Olly Murs, as well as up-and-coming artists
Hardwick Festival offers music, comedy, street performers and so much more. There's even a wellness area where you can enjoy a much-needed recharge.
11. Come Together Festival
When: Wednesday 20 and Friday 22 August
Where: Town Moor, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets: from £72.80
This promises to be the North East's biggest-ever music festival.
Legendary artist Robbie Williams will hold centre stage on Wednesday, supported by indie-rock icons Kaiser Chiefs, the delightful Perrie and local rising star Andrew Cushin.
Friday will bring you the sensational Kings of Leon supported by the fabulous Courteeners and more.
12. Noughty 90's Festival
When: Saturday 23 August
Where: Leazes Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets: from £35
Noughty 90's is described as "the ultimate throwback festival […] bringing all your favourite 90s vibes to life". It's a nostalgic neon experience of iconic tunes, throwback fashion, retro arcade games and food stalls stocked with classic 90s snacks.
This year promises an incredible lineup of star performers, including headliners Atomic Kitten and Darren Styles (plus DJ Sammy spinning the hits).
13. Newcastle Mela
When: Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August
Where: Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets: free entry
This is one of the most popular multicultural family-friendly events in the North East. It describes itself as "a feast for the senses, packed with incredible South Asian music, dance and, of course, mouth-watering street food that'll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds)".
14. Lindisfarne Festival
When: Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 August
Where: Beal Farm, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland TD15 2PB
Tickets: weekend tickets from £109.99
This is the big one! Come celebrate this incredible festival's 10th-anniversary event, where more than 200 eclectic acts will entertain and surprise you across eight unique stages. Afterwards, you can boogie into the early hours thanks to its lineup of late-night DJ sets.
15. Wolsingham Show
When: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September
Where:
Wolsingham Showground, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 3JG
Tickets:
TBA
Wolsingham is England's oldest and Durham's biggest open-air agricultural show. You won't believe the amazing variety of family-friendly entertainment on offer.
Need a car to get around this summer?
As you can see, we have more than our fair share of fantastic events in the North East this summer. And here at MVH Rental, we can help you make the most of them.
Why not hire one of our ultra-comfortable SUVs for a fun-filled outing for friends and family? With options ranging from nine to 17 seats, you'll have room for everyone and the kitchen sink.
Or what about festival camping? With our cheap transit van hire, you'll have room for everything your group could possibly need. Plus, it will provide you with a handy dry space during a downpour.
It's easy to get started. Just browse our cars and vans online or call (0191) 4888 700.
