Lymelight Festival to Return for the May Bank Holiday Weekend in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre will once again come alive with music, food and festival atmosphere as Lymelight Festival returns for May Bank Holiday weekend on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2026.
Now firmly established as one of the town’s most popular free events, Lymelight will bring three live music stages to the town centre, showcasing more than 43 artists across the weekend alongside markets, street food and family activities.
Live music begins from 12pm on Saturday 23rd May, with performances continuing throughout both days.
(Image by NUL BID)
Three live music stages will animate Newcastle town centre across the weekend. The Guildhall Stage on the High Street, sponsored by Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), will host a packed programme of bands and performers, while the Ironmarket Stage brings festival energy to the heart of the town.
Meanwhile the 6 Towns Radio Acoustic Stage, sponsored by Keele University and located outside Keele in Town, will showcase stripped back sets and emerging artists in a more intimate setting.
Across the weekend visitors can also enjoy the Castle Artisan Market on both days, featuring independent traders, makers and street food alongside small funfair rides for younger visitors.
In addition to the outdoor stages, venues around the town will host a series of fringe gigs helping to extend the festival atmosphere across Newcastle, including performances at The Crossways, The Rigger and Artisan Tap.
Charl Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager, said: “Lymelight has become a real highlight in Newcastle’s events calendar. It’s all about celebrating the incredible music talent we have locally while bringing people together to enjoy the town centre.
“With three stages, more than 40 artists and a brilliant mix of markets, food and fringe gigs across venues, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend and we’re excited to welcome everyone back into town.”
Lymelight Festival first launched in Newcastle-under-Lyme as a celebration of the town’s grassroots music scene and has grown into one of Staffordshire’s biggest free music events. Each year the festival brings together local bands, emerging artists and independent venues, creating a weekend where music spills out across the town centre and into venues.
Newcastle-under-Lyme has long been known for its strong independent music scene, with local artists recently recognised at the Staffordshire Music Awards. Lymelight Festival continues to champion that talent by giving artists a platform while encouraging visitors to explore the town’s thriving venues and hospitality businesses.
The festival also helps drive footfall into the town centre across the Bank Holiday weekend, supporting local businesses while creating a vibrant atmosphere across Newcastle’s streets, venues and public spaces.
More announcements, including the full line-up and performance schedule, will be revealed in the coming weeks.
