Newcastle has been officially shortlisted as one of the three finalists to become the new home of the UK’s leading television industry event from 2027. Joining Edinburgh and Greater Manchester on the prestigious shortlist, Newcastle’s bid represents a powerful moment in the North East’s cultural and creative journey.
The announcement recognises the North East’s bold ambition, thriving TV and film production landscape, and its extraordinary momentum in championing talent, opportunity and growth across the screen industries.
This shortlisting is a landmark moment not just for Newcastle, but the wider North East. Against strong competition from eight cities across the UK, our region has stood out for its vision, capability, and commitment to driving the industry forward. There has never been a better moment in time for the North East to host this.
Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen, expressed the team’s excitement and pride:
We’re absolutely thrilled that the North East has been shortlisted — and the timing could not be better.
The North East has tackled geographic and socio-economic disadvantage for decades but that is changing in a big way. We are a region with both credibility and huge momentum, capable of delivering a festival of national and international significance whilst ensuring a lasting legacy for our communities, emerging talent and the wider UK cultural landscape.
We don’t want to just host the TV industry on the banks of the mighty Tyne; we want to work with the festival and our partners to invigorate it. With us, you’re not just working with a host city, you’re unlocking the power of an entire region united, energised, and ready to deliver.
Being shortlisted is a glowing endorsement of the North East’s creative vibrancy and the determination from the North East Screen Industries Partnership to create a thriving screen ecosystem that delivers content for global audiences.
Hosting the Festival would bring, major economic and cultural benefits, unprecedented opportunities for emerging talent, a global spotlight on our fast-growing screen sector and a unifying moment for the region’s creative communities to showcase the region and themselves to a global audience.
What’s Next?
The Festival team will now begin a detailed review process with each shortlisted city, ahead of a final decision later this year. As the process continues, North East Screen, and the whole region, will be proudly showcasing why the North East is the perfect home for this iconic event.
This is a moment of real celebration. A moment fuelled by ambition. And we’re just getting started.
