'Music city' ambition for Newcastle and Gateshead

Organisations on Tyneside have come together to try and get more recognition for the importance of the area's music.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead has partnered with music development agency Generator to launch what they are calling "Newcastle Gateshead Music City".

It is hoped the initiative will attract more investment and allow them to gain Unesco City of Music status, joining an international network of cities which already includes Belfast, Glasgow and Liverpool.

Mick Ross, chief executive of Generator, said: "It would be global recognition for all the exceptional talent we already have in this region."

"We haven't got the internationally renowned festivals like Leeds and Reading, but there is no reason why we couldn't have in the future," Mr Ross said.

"We've already developed partnerships with brands like EMI North, part of Universal, and with Warner, to provide genuine opportunities like internships and record deals for musicians who want to stay in the region."

The new partnership has the backing of North Shields-born Sam Fender, who has just announced a UK and European tour, with tickets for his arena gig in Newcastle only available to a local audience.

"Music is an integral part of our culture that has been neglected historically in the North East," Fender said.

"It’s about time we put more resources into nurturing our local talent."

Newcastle Arena has already been chosen as the host venue for the MOBO Awards in 2025 and it is hoped this initiative will draw more music events to the area.

Wendy Smith, creative director of The Glasshouse, said she hoped the venture would keep talented musicians in the region.

"Too many seem to head off to Manchester and London, hopefully this partnership can change that," she said.

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