Mouth of the Tyne Festival

Mouth of the Tyne Festival 2026

From 9–12 July 2026, the Mouth of the Tyne Festival returns to Tynemouth, Northumberland, celebrating music and community along the scenic North East coast. Set around the historic Priory and Castle overlooking the North Sea, this four-day event blends concerts, street entertainment, and family activities.

Music

Each evening, the Priory and Castle host open-air concerts featuring a variety of genres from classical orchestras to pop and rock bands. The unique setting of ancient ruins and nearby sandy shores offers a memorable live music experience with multiple performances to suit all tastes.

Daytime Entertainment

During the day, Tynemouth’s streets come alive with free entertainment including street performers, juggling acts, and a community parade featuring hundreds of local residents. The area around Tynemouth Metro station becomes a vibrant market and community hub with artisan stalls, a jazz stage, and play zones for children.

Food & Drink

Street food vans and seaside kiosks offer local favourites such as fish and chips, gourmet burgers, and international snacks. Visitors can enjoy refreshments including ales, soft drinks, and hot beverages in cosy cafés, all just steps from the beach and promenade.

Family Friendly

The festival is welcoming and inclusive for all ages, with a dedicated kids’ zone, family-friendly performances, and activities suitable for toddlers to grandparents. Ear defenders are recommended for very young children at concerts.

Tynemouth is easy to reach by public transport. The Tyne and Wear Metro (light rail) stops right in the town centre at Tynemouth station, just a few minutes’ walk from the Priory and Castle. Metro trains run frequently from Newcastle city centre, Sunderland (via Whitley Bay) and the airport, making it simple to leave the car at home. In fact, Newcastle International Airport (about 12 miles away) has its own Metro station, so you can catch a train straight to Tynemouth (usually with one quick transfer).

If you prefer to drive, Tynemouth is conveniently located near major roads. From the A1(M) take the Coast Road (A1058) north to reach Whitley Bay and then follow signs to Tynemouth. Alternatively, the A19 also runs up the coast from the south. Roads around the Priory can be busy during the festival, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Several public car parks can be found in town (especially near the station and front street), but they often fill up early. To avoid stress, some visitors choose to park outside town (for example in Whitley Bay or North Shields) and use public transport for the short onward journey.

Regular bus services also connect Tynemouth with nearby areas. Stagecoach North East runs routes to and from Newcastle, North Shields and South East Northumberland that stop along Front Street. On festival weekends, additional buses may be added to handle the crowds. Check the latest schedules online so you’re not caught out – local apps or the Stagecoach website will have the most up-to-date timetables.

There are plenty of accommodation options in the area. Tynemouth itself offers cozy B&Bs, inns and hotels – many with views of Longsands beach or the Priory ruins. Nearby Whitley Bay (just a few miles along the coast) also has guesthouses and a famous dome-shaped venue (with a hotel and restaurant). If you prefer a city stay, Newcastle city centre is only about a 15-minute Metro ride away and has a wide range of hotels and hostels. Wherever you choose to stay, it’s wise to book early: festival weekends are popular and rooms can fill up fast.