The festival brings together live music and performances from some of the region’s finest
Beyond the delicious food and drink, Seaham Food Festival’s Cultural Programme offers a weekend packed with creativity, entertainment and discovery. Enjoy an exciting mix of live music from some of the North East’s most talented artists, alongside family-friendly theatre, interactive storytelling, hands-on workshops and engaging outdoor performances.
Whether you’re creating a willow sea creature, stepping back in time with prehistoric dinosaurs, enjoying magical family shows or relaxing to live music overlooking the coast, the Cultural Programme celebrates the rich creativity, talent and community spirit that make Seaham such a special place. With activities and performances taking place throughout the weekend, there’s something to entertain, inspire and delight visitors of all ages.
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Willow Crafts
Back by popular demand, artist Jane Gower and her merry band of helpers will be on hand to guide you in how to make your very own fantastical sea creature or sailing vessel using willow, coloured ribbon and a pinch of imagination!
North Road Clifftop: Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 August, 10:00 – 13:00 & 14:00 – 17:00
Expedition Dinosaur
Get ready for a “roaring good time” with this dinosaur adventure! Touch and explore prehistoric fossils & replicas. Grab a photo op with Stan, a life-sized cast of a T. rex skull. Guess the dinosaurs on display from their bones! Fun for all ages!
North Road Clifftop: Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 August, 10:30 / 12:00 / 13:30 / 15:00
Mad Alice Theatre Company present ‘The Lost Dinosaur’
Join Pete and Shelley for some very tall tales and Triassic inspired tunes! A highly engaging, interactive storytelling session with music and drama for all ages! Authentic stage set provided by Expedition Dinosaur.
North Road Clifftop: Saturday 1 August, 11:00 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 15:30 & Sunday 2 August, 11:00 / 12:30 / 14:00
Bell & Bullock present ‘The Garden Show’
From his mobile work bench, gardener Hugh shares his green fingered secrets and introduces Saskia, his potted psychic assistant. She’s special (he grew her from a Sunflower seed) and she can guess people’s favourite vegetables! Meanwhile a pesky rabbit has been seen lurking around Hugh’s allotment, can they catch it or will it steal all his carrots? Finally, if you dare, watch the deadly dangerous Giant Carrot Chopper in action! With magic, mind reading and tricks galore this family show is a garden of delights!
North Road Clifftop: Saturday 1 August, 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:30 / 16:00 & Sunday 2 August, 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:30
Ani Sandwith
Ani Sandwith is a dynamic vocal powerhouse and multi-instrumentalist, fusing neo soul, jazz-infused pop, and raw rock energy. Praised by BBC Introducing as having “one of those voices that reaches out of the speakers and holds onto you,” she channels the spirit of blues icons like Elkie Brooks and Bonnie Raitt. Performing nationally since age sixteen, Ani has built a reputation as a memorable and passionate live performer, with sold-out hometown shows, UK tours, and major appearances at Glastonbury, Mouth of the Tyne with Sam Fender, and The Glasshouse ICM’s Summer Studios residency.
North Road Amphitheatre: Saturday 1 August, 12:00
Mcxxne
Mcxxne is a rising artist blending smooth R&B, soul, amapiano, and Afro-infused sounds. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Rihanna, and Ayra Starr, her music pairs emotive storytelling with powerful vocals. Her debut EP ‘Phonebooth’ gained support from BBC Radio 1Xtra and national radio, while performances at Reading and Leeds Festivals have marked her as one to watch.
North Road Amphitheatre: Saturday 1 August, 13:00
The Lake Poets
With lyrics ingrained with the gritty imagery of storm weathered coastal cities and the complexities of life and relationships, the songs of The Lake Poets feel immensely personal, often rippling with wistful sadness. As a special treat for festival goers, Easington Colliery Band will be playing on selected songs.
North Road Amphitheatre: Saturday 1 August, 14:00
Staithe
Staithe produces evocative, minimalist music that interweaves voice, classical guitar, viola, piano, and electronic textures. Bridie is best known as the singer and songwriter of the critically acclaimed folk band Bridie Jackson and The Arbour, while Nick is a classical viola and synth player with a background in both orchestral and contemporary music. Together, they create music that is both delicate and immersive, shaped by a shared love of storytelling through sound. Their live performances are intimate yet powerful, drawing audiences into a world of evocative melodies and atmospheric textures.
North Road Amphitheatre: Saturday 1 August, 15:00
Easington Colliery Band
Easington Colliery Band was founded in 1915. The band rehearse in the old colliery pay office opposite the Memorial Gardens, which is on the site of the old colliery. The building is the last remaining evidence of the pit. Since 2022 the building has also incorporated the ‘Pay Note Cafe’, a community based exhibition and meeting space.
In 2023, the band was delighted to collaborate with Sam Fender on his No. 1 album ‘People Watching’, playing on the backing track of ‘Remember My Name’. This highlight was followed up in 2024 when the band became North of England Champions, the first time in the bands 109 year history.
North Road Amphitheatre: Saturday 1 August, 16:00
Isabel Maria
Pen in hand, ribbon in hair, 19 year old singer-songwriter Isabel Maria has been shattering expectations since 2021. The self-proclaimed ‘pensive popstar’ pairs contagious melodies and piano-driven production with ineffably personal lyricism, resulting in a sound championed by the likes of BBC Radio 1 and Rolling Stone Espanõl.
North Road Amphitheatre: Sunday 2 August, 11:30
Hels Pattison
Hels Pattison is a UK Americana artist based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Blending traditional country soul with a raw contemporary edge, she has quickly become one of the North East’s standout new voices. Fresh from a UK tour celebrating the release of her debut EP, Hels has brought honest, heart-on-her-sleeve songwriting to stages across the country, earning a reputation as a captivating live performer with warmth, grit, and undeniable authenticity. Fans of Sheryl Crow and Mary Chapin Carpenter will love Hels Pattison.
North Road Amphitheatre: Sunday 2 August, 12:30
Steve Pledger
Steve Pledger is a multi-award-winning recording artist with an enviable reputation as a talented and dynamic performer. With writing that ranges from fragile reflections on love and loss to blistering commentaries on present circumstances, his songs pack an emotional punch, both on record and on stage.
North Road Amphitheatre: Sunday 2 August, 13:30