A festival dedicated to showcasing emerging artists is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Twisterella, which first launched in Middlesbrough in 2014, has hosted notable performers over the years, including Sam Fender and The Snuts.
Despite the challenges of organizing a multi-venue event in the town, the passion and support of audiences have kept the festival alive, according to the organisers.
“We’re incredibly proud and excited, and we hope Twisterella continues for another 10 years,” co-founder Henry Carden expressed.
“The town needs live music, and I think this festival brings something essential to the community.”
The festival is taking place in various venues around Middlesbrough, including Teesside University Students’ Union and Middlesbrough Town Hall. This year’s line-up features The Howl & The Hum, Martha, Norwegian band Pom Poko, and Italian/Punjabi sister rock duo Baby Said.
However, Twisterella has not been without its obstacles. According to the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), 192 UK festivals have vanished since 2019, with more than 60 announcing postponements, cancellations, or permanent closures in 2024.
Mr. Carden, 40, acknowledged that venue closures in Middlesbrough have posed difficulties, but the “willingness from audiences” and the determination of himself and co-founder Andy Carr helped the festival persevere.
Twisterella, which won the AIF’s Independent Festival Award in 2019, has experienced a rise in ticket sales this year, although they have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
“It’s not easy running a multi-venue festival in Middlesbrough, but as locals, we feel the town needs it, and we want to see more live music here,” Mr. Carden stated.
He added that knowing people came to discover their “new favourite band” made all the effort worthwhile.
“Middlesbrough has always been forward-thinking when it comes to music, and the community enjoys exploring new sounds.”
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