PREVIEW: Marrapalooza returns to Newcastle venues this weekend

This weekend, Newcastle’s celebration of grassroots music returns to the city. Marrapalooza, the DIY festival rooted in the Ouseburn Valley, is back for its fourth edition from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June, and the line-up is one of the strongest yet

The festivities kick off on Friday 5th June at Northumbria University with Welsh emo antagonists Los Campesinos! headlining, with support from Nathy SG, making for a superb double bill to open the weekend. On the back of possibly their strongest album yet, the Welsh indie veterans are sure to deliver a set full of chaotic energy and big emotional anthems, and they embody the very ethos that Marrapalooza represents. Quite frankly they’re unmissable.

The festival really gets going on Saturday, with multiple Ouseburn venues coming alive simultaneously. The Grove hosts the headline acts, with Jasmine.4.T and Soak sharing top billing. Having seen Jasmine.4.T pack out rooms at SXSW last March, this booking feels like something of a coup.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Cobalt Studios welcomes Milkweed and Jim Ghedi, two artists well worth catching if you enjoy something a little more contemplative. Suep takes over The Tyne Bar, and Me Rex stand out on the bill at The Cumberland Arms. The beauty of Marrapalooza is that all of this is happening within walking distance of each other, so you’ve really no excuse not to explore.

The final day brings a fantastic closing line-up. Militarie Gun and The Chisel play The Grove, rounding off the weekend with real force. The Murderburgers bring their reliably energetic set to The Old Coal Yard, while Wednesday Flowers and Shady Nasty both play The Cumberland Arms. It’s a fitting send-off that leans into the scrappy, community-minded spirit the festival was built on.

Marrapalooza has carved out a genuine identity in the North East music calendar. It champions artists who thrive outside the mainstream, and it does so with real heart.

Buy tickets for Marrapalooza here.