A familiar story: two passionate music fans want to bring together their musical heroes to form a festival; and so it was for Stephen Donnelly and Jonny Clegg, who have announced the line-up for edition 2 of the Tyneside Americana Blues Festival, which takes place January 10-12, at the newly renovated Exchange 1856, an iconic Grade II listed building in North Shields.
“We had an amazing response to the first festival,” Donnelly. “Last year, seeing legendary artists like Eric Bell (formerly of Thin Lizzy) and Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash) perform on stage was a dream come true. This year, we’ve expanded our lineup and moved to a bigger venue, so we’re excited to welcome more fans to experience these incredible acts.”
The 2025 festival boasts a stellar lineup, including John Verity, Deborah Bonham, and John Steel from The Animals. Fans of Medicine Head, with their unique sound combining didgeridoo and slide guitar, will also have the chance to see the band perform live—a special treat for long-time followers.
Co-organiser Clegg, who has a deep-rooted love for music and an impressive history in the industry, shared his excitement about the upcoming event. In the early 1970s, while working in a London design studio, John found himself at the heart of the burgeoning punk scene. He worked on album and 7 inch covers for Chiswick Records for iconic bands and witnessed firsthand the explosion of new talent. “I was lucky enough to be involved with punk bands like The Damned, Radio Stars and heavy metal legends like Motörhead, creating artwork for their records,” Jonny recalled. “Music has always been my passion, and over the years, I’ve kept that connection alive.”
Jonny’s journey eventually led him to organising live music events in the UK and France. Now, back in the North East, he’s bringing that wealth of experience to the Tyneside Americana Blues Festival. “I’ve seen the highs and challenges of the music industry, and putting on events like this feels like a full-circle moment. We’re building something special here that really resonates with people,” he added.
The event isn’t just a musical celebration—it’s also giving a boost to the local economy. “Last year, hotel occupancy in the area shot up from 28% to 80%, and local businesses—restaurants, bars, and even public transport—benefited significantly. We’re confident this year’s festival will have the same positive impact,” Stephen explained.
In addition to established stars, the festival will also feature performances by up-and-coming local bands, creating opportunities for new talent to shine. “For some local acts, playing last year’s festival led to additional bookings, including gigs in iconic venues like London’s 100 Club,” Stephen added.
Jonny shared his excitement about the new venue, saying, “The Exchange 1856 is perfect for this event. It has a professional setup, with stages, dressing rooms, and multiple performance areas. It’s also easily accessible by public transport, making it convenient for everyone to attend.”
Tickets for the Tyneside Americana Blues Festival 2025 are available at tynesidefest.co.uk. Options include day tickets, weekend passes, and VIP packages that offer exclusive perks, such as meeting the artists and enjoying discounts on food and drinks.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for music fans who watched their heroes perform at the Newcastle City Hall and The Mayfair, to see them up close and personal at the Exchange. It’s going to be a fantastic experience,” said Jonny.
