A £750 million increase in the local economy from the music sector, along with the creation of 2-4000 music-related jobs are goals that have been set by Newcastle Gateshead Music City. The launch is hoping to capitalise on the upwards trend of music tourism to the city, with a 29% increase occurring in 2023 according to figures from UK Music.
A Newcastle Gateshead Music City office will be established in The Glasshouse as the hub of the project. The office has announced three main initiatives in-line with the launch of the scheme: a visionary music strategy, mapping the music ecosystem, and the creation of a specialised music board.
Mick Ross, the CEO of Generator, stated, “it would be global recognition for all the exceptional talent we already have in this region”. Global recognition builds upon the goals Newcastle Gateshead Music City has for the region. It is hoped that the initiative will help Newcastle become a UNESCO City of Music, joining the UK cities of Belfast, Glasgow, and Liverpool who already hold this status.
Since the announcement, many leading regional figures have vocalised their support. Sam Fender, who recently sold-out his own UK tour, said, “I couldn’t be prouder of my region for its vast wealth of musical heritage.” North-East Mayor Kim McGuinness also released a statement saying, “I look forward to working with The Glasshouse, Generator, and musicians across the region.”
Newcastle has also been selected as the host city for the MOBO Awards, celebrating music of black origin, taking place on February 18th 2025.
