Live Review
Noughty 90's
​festival
Newcastle 24th of august 2024 

Photos and review: David Weddle

Banging tunes and iconic acts from the 90's and the 00's, Noughty90s Festival brought the best of the era to Newcastle's Leazes Park. Set in the historic and scenic surroundings of the late Victorian park, in the shadow of Newcastle United's home ground St James' Park the brightly coloured outfits of the crowd were a sight to behold. Noughty90s is fast becoming an annual tradition for north-east revellers with familiar faces making the journey to Leazes Park each year which is great to see.

With three stages and a shed load of food and drink options, Newcastle was set for a good time. DJs blasted out tunes throughout the afternoon to get the crowd warmed up, and with a line-up including B*witched and Gareth Gates the Toon were in for a real treat.

DJ Dan Harding opened up the festival and got the party going until Phats & Small took to the main stage much to the delight of the crowd who got right into the spirit of things.

The number of acts performing at the festival was impressive, revellers were spoilt for choice. With three stages spread across the site, there was something for everyone. From the bounce stage which featured nine DJs and MC'd by Finchy and Tazo, to the Dance Stage which played host to legendary names including Ultrabeat and Kelly Llorena, Noughty90s Fest was packed with variety.

Those who made it down to Leazes Park early were rewarded with a blazing set from East 17 which even featured an inflatable horse and an early Christmas sing-a-along to their hit 'Stay'. There was a small technical hitch as N-Trance took to the stage which was quickly remedied and didn't take anything away from an outstanding rendition of 'Set You Free'.

The weather held up and the glorious sunshine was only occasionally interrupted by clouds but luckily it remained dry, unlike the bars which were well stocked with plentiful supplies of another 90's icon; Hooch!! There was plenty for people to do between acts including fairground rides and even a roller skating rink.

The dancing and singing continued into the evening with renowned singer Gareth Gates taking to the stage around 8:40. With a huge, infectious smile beaming across his face, Gareth put on a smashing set full of fan favourites. The audience was in fine voice as well, singing along with Gareth. He played a blinder with his early hit 'Anyone of Us (Stupid Mistake)' which got the audience engaged right from the start. Gareth's star quality shone brightly in Newcastle.

The night was topped off by pop group B*witched whose high-energy set was packed full of dance-along tracks including their massive hit 'C'est La Vie' which brought the festival to a close with style.

Noughty90s has proved time and time again that Newcastle knows how to have a good time. This year's line-up was the perfect mix of dance floor faves and pop classics to hardcore raving at the Bounce Stage. There was a real buzz of positivity around the venue which is just what we all need right now. Nice one Noughty90s