Mouth of the Tyne Festival Guide
Everything you need to know about the Mouth of the Tyne Festival 2026 — dates, lineup, tickets, street arts, and practical information for Tynemouth's biggest annual event.
The Mouth of the Tyne Festival is Tynemouth's biggest annual event — four days of live music, street arts, community parades, and family entertainment set against the dramatic backdrop of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. The 2026 festival runs from Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th July.
Here is everything you need to know.
Best for: The Mouth of the Tyne Festival takes place 9-12 July 2026 at Tynemouth Priory and Castle and across the village.
2026 Lineup
The evening headline concerts take place within the walls of Tynemouth Priory and Castle — one of the most atmospheric outdoor venues in the country. The confirmed 2026 lineup is:
- Thursday 9th July — The K's
- Friday 10th July — Ministry of Sound Classical
- Saturday 11th July — Self Esteem
- Sunday 12th July — James
Each evening concert typically runs from around 7pm, with support acts and gates opening earlier. Specific stage times are usually confirmed closer to the event.
Tickets
Tickets for the headline concerts at the Priory are sold separately for each evening and are available through the official festival website and Ticketmaster. Prices vary by night and tend to sell out — particularly the Saturday headline slot.
Early booking is strongly recommended. General admission standing tickets are the standard option, though some nights offer limited premium packages.
Free Daytime Programme
During the day, Tynemouth's streets come alive with a free programme of entertainment that does not require a ticket. This typically includes:
- Street arts and performers — jugglers, acrobats, stilt walkers, and theatre acts stationed along Front Street and around the village
- The community parade — a highlight of the weekend, featuring hundreds of local residents in costume walking a route through the village
- Jazz stage — live jazz performances in the area around Tynemouth Metro station
- Silent disco — usually near the station, free to join with headphones provided
- Children's play zones — craft activities, games, and interactive performances aimed at younger visitors
- Artisan market — stalls selling food, drink, and crafts in the station and surrounding area
The free daytime programme makes the festival accessible to everyone, regardless of whether you have a ticket for the evening concerts.
Getting There
By Metro: Tynemouth Metro station is a two-minute walk from Front Street and the festival areas. Services run frequently from Newcastle city centre (approximately 25 minutes). Extra late services usually operate on concert nights — check the Nexus website closer to the date.
By car: Parking in Tynemouth is extremely limited during the festival. The village car parks fill up early, and road closures are in place around Front Street. If you must drive, arrive well before the evening concerts or use park-and-ride options if available.
On foot or by bike: The coastal path from Whitley Bay or Cullercoats is a pleasant walk of 20-30 minutes and avoids all the parking headaches.
Practical Tips
Book accommodation early. Hotels and B&Bs in Tynemouth and the surrounding area fill up fast during festival weekend. If you are planning to stay overnight, book as soon as the dates are confirmed.
Dress for the weather. The concerts are outdoors within the Priory ruins. There is no cover, so bring layers and waterproofs regardless of the forecast. It can be cool and breezy on the headland even in July.
Arrive early for concerts. Gates typically open well before the headline act. The views from inside the Priory walls are spectacular at sunset, and arriving early means a better spot and less queueing.
Eat before or after. Food vendors operate inside the concert venue, but Tynemouth's restaurants and pubs are all within walking distance if you prefer to eat in the village beforehand.
History of the Festival
The Mouth of the Tyne Festival has been running since 2006 and has grown from a small community event into one of the North East's most anticipated summer festivals. Past headliners have included Primal Scream, The Libertines, Maximo Park, and Paloma Faith. The combination of world-class music and the medieval Priory setting makes it unlike any other festival in the region.
Have a question about the festival? Get in touch.