Welcome to StanFest 2026 - the Heaton community festival!
Saturday 27 June 2026 - Midday until 6pm
Free Entry
We are excited to welcome the local community into The Willow Park this summer for a day of music, fun & games, good food, drinks, entertainment and brilliant company. StanFest offers something for everyone and entry is completely FREE.
This page will contain all of the key information you need to know. Keep checking back as we add to it in the coming weeks!
StanFest Map & Event Info
Parking
Parking within the ground will not be available to any visitors. Our gate team will be positioned at the entry gate to ensure no vehicles are permitted entry – this is to ensure the safety of all visitors. Please do not try and turn into the ground.
Parking in the surrounding area is plentiful and there are no permit schemes in operating during the hours of the festival. We enjoy a good relationship with our neighbours and community and we ask that all spectators park considerately. Do NOT block driveways, park on pavements or use any other methods of parking which are deemed inconsiderate. If you prefer to park in a proper car park, there are two pay & display car parks at Paddy Freemans Park a few minutes walk away, or at the Hospital itself.
Public Transport
The Willow Park is easy to reach via public transport:
Train – Newcastle Central is the nearest mainline train station in the city centre.
Metro – South Gosforth, Longbenton and Four Lane Ends are all in walking distance of the ground with the first two slightly closer. All of them are within a 20 minute walk.
Bus – Stagecoach numbers 37 and 38 are the most convenient and stops right outside our ground in both directions. You can get this from several places in the City Centre including near Central Station (next to the Mile Castle pub), John Dobson street and Haymarket. We are close to the Freeman Hospital so any bus coming from other directions which stops there is suitable.
The Main Stage - Line up and schedule
On our full size festival stage, we’re bringing together an amazing mix of local talent, live music, and great vibes for a full day of entertainment at StanFest 2026!
Whether you’re into acoustic singalongs, indie rock, club anthems, jazz-pop grooves or classic party tunes, there’s something for everyone.
🎸 Bethany
Rock / Pop Acoustic
Young, talented 16 year old guitarist and singer. She loves playing all different genres on her acoustic guitar, especially when she busks in Newcastle. Her greatest inspiration is Taylor Swift, so if you love her music make sure you come down to see her!
🎷 Spider Noises
Jazz Pop
Spider Noises originated in Durham in 2017 as the solo recording project of guitarist and songwriter Jack Calvesbert. In 2025 the project expanded into a band, featuring Ronan Bartley (drums), and Andrew Wallace (bass guitar). Remaining rooted in their North East heritage, the group’s quirky folk-rock sound continues to intrigue and beguile audiences around the region.
🎤 Group Therapy
Pop Classics (70s – Now)
Group Therapy believe that music is the answer! They are a fab four-piece who formed as a new group just over two years ago, all members having previously worked together in various other bands since 2018. They bring you a wide range of upbeat, popular party songs from the 70s all the way up to the present day. So if you like to dance, drink, repeat, Group Therapy are just up your street!
🎸 Barmen
Indie Rock
Barmen are a 4-piece indie/rock band who do covers and original songs. They comprise of Charlie on vocals/rhythm guitar, Michael on lead guitar, Jack on bass and Rory on drums. They are all 17 years old and attend 6th form. They have been gigging for 12 months at local venues around the North East.
🎵 Close Call
Rock / Blues / Pop
Close Call comprises father and son duo Paul and Robbie Close on guitars and vocals, along with keyboarist Rich Charlton and drummer Michael Howard. Formed after lockdown and based in Heaton, they have developed a wide repertoire of blues, rock, pop and original songs from the 1950s to the present day.
💃 Toni Marie
Queen of Clubland
Toni Marie has over a decade of live performance experience across the UK, touring as a lead vocalist in a wide range of shows. A versatile singer and dynamic entertainer, show knows how to captivate audiences with energy and presence. Toni Marie regularly brings her exceptional talent to our Clubland Reborn and Ibiza Reborn Shows, delivering unforgettable performances that leave audiences inspired and entertained.
🎤 Lost Boy From South
Indie / Alternative Acoustic
Lost Boy From South is the solo project of Oli Stevens, an artist who has performed across England at open mics and live events. His stage name originated at his first show at the age of 13, when a host invented it on the spot – and it stuck. Influenced by a wide range of genres, Lost Boy From South creates heartfelt songs that explore love, longing and loss, capturing the emotional complexities of everyday life through honest songwriting.
🎙️ Hattie Shire
Our Compere for the day
Hattie Shire is an experienced host, event singer and theatre performer, bringing a wealth of energy, professionalism and personality to every event. With a versatile repertoire spanning jazz, swing, musical theatre and soft pop, she loves creating an enjoyable atmosphere that audiences of all ages can connect with. Hattie is absolutely buzzing to be kicking off her summer bookings with us and is looking forward to helping make it a fantastic occasion for everyone involved.
Coming soon
💵 Price information for chargeable activities
🍔 Food and drink vendor information
📋 House rules – a few easy to follow house rules which will ensure the event is enjoyable for everyone!
