Newcastle Gateshead Music City appoints dynamic new Strategic Board to support ambitious plans to supercharge the city region’s thriving music industry.

Artists, grassroots venues, record labels, media and PR, academics and industry professionals create a diverse and powerful new Strategic Board to inspire next phase of Newcastle Gateshead Music City initiative.

With representation from a broad spectrum of the music industry, the Board will bring their passion, expertise and lived experience from within the music industry to help shape the next chapter of the Music City.

Driven by the research behind the newly published Foundation Report, the Board will support the Music City Office, co-led by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and Generator, to turn the findings into action.

Newcastle Gateshead Music City will accelerate the momentum already seen across the region’s music industry from major label partnerships, a strategic partnership with the BBC, world-class venues and increasing investment in skills and facilities. From emerging talent building confidence in local venues to artists reaching national and global stages, a strong cultural identity and DIY communities, the report and passionate Board demonstrates a city region that continues to punch above its weight and sets the stage for an even more ambitious future for music in Newcastle Gateshead.

Michelle Escoffery, Chair of Newcastle Gateshead Music City Board said: As Chair, I am proud to be shaping a Strategic Board that reflects the energy, ambition and diversity of the Newcastle Gateshead Music City vision. This is a dynamic and well-balanced group of leaders, bringing both depth of experience and fresh perspective. Through collaboration and a clear focus on solutions, growth and delivery, we are committed to unlocking opportunity for the region and extending our impact far beyond it

Jim Mawdsley, Vice Chair of Newcastle Gateshead Music City Board said: While music had always been a strong part of the cultural identity of Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider region, the impact it makes has not been recognised beyond acknowledgement and celebration. Music’s value as an economic and social driver has now made its case and is receiving the attention and backing that it deserves. By assembling a strong, experienced and multi disciplined music board for Newcastle Gateshead we will have even more effective leadership that will make a real difference to building an ecosystem with greater impact. I am honoured, excited and privileged to continue decades of commitment to the music sector in the region by accepting the role as Vice Chair of this new dynamic board and look forward to the achievements we will make together.

Introducing the Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

Adam Behr: Head of Music at Newcastle University.
Ambrose Field:
Caroline James: General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle.
Gabriel Day: Director, World Headquarters
Imogen Williams: Songwriter and Artist.
Keith Armstrong: Founder and Director of Soul Kitchen Music.
Maia Beth: BBC Radio 1 presenter and DJ.
Matty Aston: Head of Operations at Super Cat PR.
Mick Patterson: Artist Manager
Paul Reed: Regional Organiser for the North of England at Musicians’ Union.
Ross Lewis: Production Manager at The Cluny.
Stephanie Haughton-Campbell: Chief Operating Officer at UK Music.
Sue Collier: Artistic Director, Programmer, Producer & Tour Manager

The Board is chaired by Michelle Escoffery, an Ivor Novello and BRIT Award-winning songwriter and creative executive, alongside Vice-Chair Jim Mawdsley, one of the most influential figures in the North East’s music industry, who has driven major events, festivals and investment that has shaped the region’s cultural identity for the past few decades.

New Foundation Report marks the first step in setting the long-term direction of Newcastle Gateshead Music City.

Developed with Counterculture and Newcastle University, and supported by the North East Combined Authority, the Foundation Report brings together a year of research and consultation with artists, venues, industry professionals, businesses and supporters from across the local music ecosystem.

Headlines:

• 83% of interviewees identified grassroots venues and organisations as key stakeholders in developing the local music sector, playing a central role in developing artists, building communities and supporting the wider sector.

• There are now more than 1,400 music businesses and artists operating across the North East, reflecting a region already rich in talent, activity and ambition.

• In 2023/24 alone, music contributed £364 million to the regional economy, supported over 3,000 jobs, and attracted 714,000 visitors – almost double the previous year.

• The region’s music sector is supported by growing infrastructure and influence, including major label partnerships, a strategic partnership with the BBC, and global platforms such as BBC Proms.

• Major national moments, including the MOBO Awards and Mercury Prize, have generated over £2 million in economic benefit while engaging thousands of young people.

• Investment in music skills and development delivers a strong return on investment, forecasting £5.80–£6.60 of economic value for every £1 invested.

The report sets out priority areas to strengthen Newcastle Gateshead’s position as a leading UK Music City including strengthening creative communities and collaboration through the grassroots, improving regional music funding, embedding music in regional strategies around economic growth, tourism, education and health, expanding spaces for music and local industry infrastructure; keeping talent in the region through clear pathways into music from early years to professional careers and making music a home for everyone.

The publication of the Foundation Report begins the journey towards an ambitious music strategy which will outline how music can drive growth and support the creative community.

Quotes from the Board

Stephanie Haughton-Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at UK Music said: As highlighted in UK Music's Hometown Glory report, the Government's 2025 industrial strategy recognises the creative industries as one of eight key sectors driving economic growth, and the music industry is uniquely positioned to harness local and regional potential and lead this strategic growth area nationally.

The Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board is building the foundational platform for the North East to develop a joined-up music ecosystem that regenerates places, supports skilled employment, and drives economic growth, whilst utilising music's power to underpin and promote local, national, and global cultural leadership. I am honoured to be serving on this exciting strategic board.

Adam Behr, Head of Music at Newcastle University said: Research shows that the conditions for real, sustained growth in Newcastle Gateshead's music sector are in place: in talent, venues and the breadth of the ecosystem. The Board, and the work ahead of it, represents a real chance to translate that into coordinated strategic action that builds effectively on that foundation – to harness the investment now behind it and create opportunities and foster connections for the grassroots and throughout the sector.

Maia Beth, Presenter and BBC Radio 1 DJ said:  I’m so proud to be joining the Newcastle Gateshead Music City Board. The North East is my home, it’s always been class and it feels like people are finally starting to notice. There’s so many talented people in this area and I can’t wait to help make sure they’re seen everywhere and to ensure opportunities are there for everyone, no matter who you are or where you’re from.

Ross Lewis, Production Manager at The Cluny said: I’ve been fortunate to work all over the world as a tour manager and engineer so trust me when I say that Newcastle Gateshead is one of the most inspiring places to work in live music. We have a tightly knit sector, a strong history of collaborative working and a can-do attitude at all levels. I’m passionate about grassroots music venues being a place where people who struggled to fit in elsewhere can find community, identity and opportunity. I look forward to supporting Music City to increase funding to our thriving DIY scene and address the lack of small to mid-size independent music venues in our city.

About Newcastle Gateshead Music City
Newcastle Gateshead Music City exists to champion the stories, legacy and impact of music in the region – from artists and venues to the people, communities and businesses that power the wider music ecosystem.

It advocates for the role of music in shaping the region’s cultural identity, economic growth, and global reputation, and to ensure that contribution is recognised, supported, and sustained. Working with artists, venues, businesses, and civic partners, Newcastle Gateshead Music City strengthens the infrastructure needed for music to thrive creatively, culturally, and economically. This work is rooted in collaboration with those who make and support music at every level.

The initiative is led by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and Generator, building a connected and future-facing music ecosystem for the region.

Read the full report here - Foundation Report PDF