In anticipation of Middlesbrough’s award-winning day festival, co-founder Andy Carr shares his top recommendations and can't-miss performances.
To ensure there’s no chance of experiencing post-festival blues, Middlesbrough's Twisterella is returning tomorrow (11th October) for its 11th edition, taking place across various venues, including Teesside University Students’ Union and Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt. This acclaimed festival has a history of spotlighting some of the UK's top emerging talent before they hit it big (including Prima Queen, Dream Wife, and Sam Fender!), and the lineup for this year promises to be just as packed. To get you excited ahead of tomorrow's event, here are 11 highlights not to miss this Saturday, as recommended by co-founder Andy Carr.
**Swim School**
As they gear up for the highly anticipated release of their debut album later this month, Scottish indie-rock band Swim School will kick off the day on the main stage at Teesside University SU Hub in the ‘reverse headliner’ slot. With their debut album produced by Iain Berryman (Wolf Alice, beabadoobee), it’s poised to be a strong contender for album of the year, so make sure to arrive at Twisterella early to catch their performance.
**Loren Heat**
Having graduated from Teesside Uni with a first-class degree last summer, Boro’s rising pop star Loren Heat is back at her old haunt this weekend after captivating performances at Kendal Calling, The Great Escape, and BBC Introducing from the Glasshouse. Bold, alluring, and fearlessly authentic, Heat’s queer-pop reflects the raw tumult of navigating life in the North East.
**Champ**
As they take the stage for what is technically their first official gig (we’ll overlook those sold-out secret warm-ups), the highly-anticipated indie quartet Champ has made an impressive entrance into the Teesside music scene in 2025, delivering some of the best songs this area has seen since Chris Rea’s Christmas classic. Mixing elements of The War On Drugs and The Gaslight Anthem, 'ones to watch' doesn’t even begin to encompass what Champ has to offer.
**Y**
With the least Google-friendly name, the members of Y have previously played in bands such as Fat White Family, Pregoblin, and Meatraffle, ensuring an entertaining yet unpredictable experience. Hailing from the same South London scene that brought former Twisterella headliners Opus Kink to fame, their genre-defying wonk-rock has quickly established them as one of the UK’s most thrilling live acts. Not to be missed.
**Alkaline Kitchen**
It would be a mistake to head to Twisterella without a good meal, so stop by Alkaline Kitchen on your way to grab your wristband. This fully vegan health cafe offers some of the most creative and vibrant food options you’re likely to find, and the tacos are a must-try.
**The Twisted Lip**
Considering the number of pubs, venues, and coffee shops that have shut down in Middlesbrough since Twisterella began in 2014, it’s crucial to support the independent businesses that remain! The Twisted Lip will host a couple of surprise pop-up performances on Saturday, so swing by for a pint or two—you never know who might take the stage.
**Play Brew Co**
After the festival wraps up, if you’re still craving some local brews, make your way to PLAY. This former brewery is now one of Boro’s trendiest after-hours spots, featuring vintage arcade machines, a pool table, and gigantic slices of pizza.
**PISS**
Vancouver's PISS is a loud, genre-defying four-piece punk band that merges music, poetry, sound collage, performance art, and various visual art forms to tackle complex themes blending the personal with the political. Their band name brings to mind Twisterella alumni THAT FUCKING TANK in the NSFW category, and PISS would’ve been a perfect fit for the late Westgarth Social Club. The spirit of Westgarth lives on.
**before close**
This marks the inaugural performance for this new North East supergroup (or perhaps superduo?), as respected songwriters Jodie Nicholson and Joe Ramsey unite to offer a listening experience that is straightforward, local, and deeply relatable. Their sound is the perfect accompaniment to a pumpkin spice latte—if Autumn had a preferred band, it would be before close.
**Our Man In The Field**
Although he left Teesside in 1998, OMITF’s Alex Ellis proudly identifies as a Teessider, and this festival feels like a homecoming for him. Following stunning performances at Glastonbury and Deer Shed this summer, Alex is bringing his full band to Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt to headline with their unique cowboy-hip-hop sound.
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Before the award-winning day festival in Middlesbrough, co-founder Andy Carr shares his essential tips and must-see performances.