Utilita Arena Newcastle Powers Up Local Talent with Finn Forster at Launch
The Utilita Arena Newcastle has launched a new grassroots artist initiative, Powering Up Local Talent, in partnership with Utilita Energy. The scheme gives emerging musicians from across the North East the opportunity to perform in the Utilita Lounge ahead of major arena shows, bringing local acts into the spotlight at one of the UK’s biggest live venues.
The initiative made its debut on 16 September 2025, which we had kindly been invited too, during Tom Grennan’s ’25 tour.
Teesside singer-songwriter Finn Forster was selected as the first performer to open the series, delivering an intimate set that marked the beginning of the new programme. Finn played a mixture of known covers as well as originals, exposing lounge members to learn more about this artist. It was a relaxed atmosphere where Finn also interacted with us throughout. Its not only pre support we got to see Finn Forster, he would come back in between support acts to futher keep the music playing.
Reflecting on the experience, Finn said: “I think it’s super important for grassroots artists and the arena to have a solid foundation for a relationship from the start. It’s always incredibly inspiring and motivating to be there.”
Artists chosen to take part are hand-selected by respected industry professionals, including Generator, Stitch Redman Music Management and the Sunday For Sammy team. Performers are also promoted through the Arena’s social media channels, which have a combined following of more than 188,000, and their names appear on digital screens throughout the venue, encouraging audiences to discover and follow them.
As part of recent refurbishments, the Arena has created a dedicated dressing room next to the Utilita Lounge, giving artists a private space before and after their performance. Each act also leaves their signature on a commemorative record to mark their involvement in the initiative.
As an experience using the lounge was a relaxed way to enjoy the overall gig. Not only did we get to see the future of Newcastle music, We experienced a relaxed atmosphere with spacious tables and seating with a private bar and toilet, friendly helpful staff and a private entrance. Don’t worry about missing out on the merchandise either as a staff member also comes around with an online catalogue in case you want to grab some memorabilia. our seating was just nearby for the main gig so didn’t have to go far between our arena seats and the lounge either. I’d definitely recommend upgrading or purchasing a Lounge experience in future to enhance your Utilita Arena experience.
We went on to watch two wonderful support acts in Rianne Downey and Tom Walker before an energetic and fantastic performance from Tom Grennan himself.
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Caroline James, General Manager at Utilita Arena Newcastle, said: “We’re absolutely ecstatic to be launching this new initiative that directly supports developing artists in the North East. Grassroots artists and venues are the beating heart of the music industry and we’re excited to be supporting artists from the very start of their journey.”
Jem Maidment, Chief Marketing Officer at Utilita Energy, added: “Oasis and Coldplay are packing out stadiums around the world – both started in pubs and small venues. Without that grassroots support who knows where they’d be now? Independent venues are slowly dying – last year one every fortnight shut its doors, with another 200 in danger of collapsing. That’s why this is so important. The North East has an incredible musical heritage – The Animals, Whitesnake, Mark Knopfler, Dave A Stewart, Sam Fender to name but a few. Working with Utilita Arena Newcastle, Sunday For Sammy, Generator and Stitch Redman, we can give the next generation a stage – and an audience – to show off their talents. One may even be on the main stage in a few years’ time.”
With Finn Forster leading the launch, Powering Up Local Talent is now underway, with more artists set to follow in future shows. The initiative promises to give North East musicians a valuable platform, connecting them with new audiences and placing grassroots talent at the heart of one of the region’s biggest venues.