Live Review: Stockton Calling Festival – Stockton 16.04.2022

By Ian Allcock

Samantha Durnan at Ku

First up for me, in my day of jogging around the venues in town for Stockton Calling on Saturday, was the Samantha Durnan Band, including Steph Hooton and Louise Radford at KU Stockton. A great set in an excellent venue

Elizabeth Liddle at The Vault

I settled down for a set of calm and chill with the talented Elizabeth Liddle, backed by Billy Smith and Connor Boon at Vault Hidden Bar. Blissful vocals and piano/keys backed with solid complimentary musicians made it a set I’m glad I didn’t miss. Cheers again Stockton Calling

Faye Fantarrow at The Social Room

A wonderful set from one the North East’s up and coming singer songwriters.

Church, Honey at NE Volume Music Bar

Church Honey at NE Volume Music Bar was always going to be one of my must see sets for Stockton Calling and they certainly turned up a treat. Quality musicians, absorbing tracks built with sensitivity and meaning, I loved the whole set, thanks guys

Moonwax at Stickies

My Stockton Calling day continued with a visit to Sticky’s Late Bar & Burger Joint – Stockton to see Moon Wax. Having seen them at Twisterella Festival I was buzzing to see them again. A bit of an edgy soul funk feeling and Billy Smith, Connor Boon and the crew did not disappoint, serving up track after banging track throughout the set! I’ve been in Sticky’s a couple of times but not for a gig, but it is absolutely gig perfect! Plenty of dancefloor space but with a raised area all round for great audience views. Toni Cook and her team have that place absolutely spot on and I cant wait to see more gigs there

We Tibetans at Stickies

When the Stockton Calling line up was first announced WE TIBETANS were always one of the bands I would base my day around. With a Young Rebel Set and Velvoir pedigree you kinda know what you are getting. Or I should say you think you do…. With the amazing lyrics they were left behind and then have built upon and developed, if you are into alt-indie then they are for you big style. Tighter than tight. I struggled to imagine Luke Evans giving up the drums for anyone, but wow this works! My head has been full of “This is how it feels” and “I cant stop the rain” all weekend

ZELA at Stickies

Next up on my Stockton Calling travels on Saturday was the amazing brat-pop alt-electronica band ZELA over at Sticky’s Late Bar & Burger Joint – Stockton. Now I had seen them once before late last year so I knew what to expect, full on visual as well as musical performance, what a powerful and well delivered energetic set, a dream for photography! If you see the band listed for a future gig just go

Dylan Cartlidge at Stickies

Final set from me from Stockton Calling from Saturday was the ever brilliant Dylan Cartlidge in Sticky’s Late Bar & Burger Joint – Stockton. The guy can do no wrong for me and with his debut album constantly on play in the car I was well versed with his music. Brilliantly accompanied by his band and with Holly Jeyran adding gorgeous backing vocals this is a set which will stay in the memory of many people for a long long time. Thanks Dylan, Holly and crew, cheers to Sticky’s, to everyone involved in Stockton Calling for another brilliant festival

MT Misery at Arc”

What an absolutely brilliant day and night I had at Stockton Calling on Saturday, thanks for the press pass, thanks to the organisers, venues and their staff and also to all the brilliant artists and bands who made it such a special day.
I have so missed this event and seeing Stockton so vibrant and busy.
I’m just sorting through all my images from the day and there’s lots more to follow, but here’s Mt. Misery at ARC Stockton Arts Centre who kicked the day off brilliantly for me.