A Stone's Throw

A Stone's Throw 2026

On one day in late spring 2026, North Shields, Newcastle, Northumberland, hosts A Stone’s Throw, a vibrant multi-venue music festival spread across this coastal town and its historic fish quay.

Music

A Stone’s Throw offers a diverse lineup from indie rock and folk to electronic music, featuring both local North East talent and international artists. Performances take place across numerous nearby venues, creating a “coastal music trail” for festival-goers to explore.

Community Spirit

The festival fosters an inclusive, laidback atmosphere welcoming families, music lovers, and newcomers alike. Audience members often interact with artists, enjoy informal jams, and experience pop-up art installations, making it feel like a neighbourhood celebration.

Seaside Setting

Set on the North Shields waterfront, attendees can enjoy fresh sea air and the historic fish market between shows. Evening events and after-parties extend the festival into the night, combining music and the coastal backdrop for a memorable day-long experience.

Travel to North Shields

Newcastle International Airport (NCL) is the closest airport, about a 15-minute drive from Newcastle city center. The airport has its own Metro station with trains running roughly every 10–15 minutes from early morning until midnight. The Metro ride from the airport to central Newcastle takes around 25 minutes, and from there you can transfer to a northbound Metro (the Yellow Line) to reach North Shields in another 15–20 minutes. In total, expect about an hour of rail travel from plane to the festival. For rail travelers, arrive at Newcastle Central and simply switch to the Metro Yellow Line – it’s only about 20 minutes from Monument to North Shields station. These trains (and most local buses) are included in standard day tickets, making public transport an affordable option.

By Car

By car, North Shields is easy to reach via the A19 (through the Tyne Tunnel) or via the A1058 Coast Road from Newcastle. From the south, take the A1/A19 toward the Tyne Tunnel (note: a toll applies northbound). The drive from Newcastle city center is roughly 15–20 minutes with light traffic. Parking in central North Shields is limited on event days, so many visitors choose to park at a Metro Park & Ride (such as Wallsend or Four Lane Ends) and take the train in instead. Parking at Metro stations is generally free or low-cost, and it lets you avoid traffic and parking hassles.

Local Transport

Local buses connect North Shields with Newcastle, Whitley Bay, South Shields and surrounding towns on frequent schedules. Past festivals have even provided a special double-decker shuttle bus linking Tynemouth and North Shields venues, so keep an eye on announcements in case a similar shuttle runs this year. Another fun option is the Shields Ferry across the Tyne: it departs North Shields every 30 minutes for South Shields, and a Metro or bus day ticket covers the fare.

Accommodation

North Shields has several guesthouses and a hotel near the ferry quay. You can also stay in Newcastle’s city center (with easy Metro access to North Shields) or in nearby coastal towns like Tynemouth or Whitley Bay. Just remember to book early, since festival weekends can fill up local lodgings quickly.