From a bunch of volunteers with a big idea to County Durham’s most family-friendly festival. Here’s how we got here.
Made in Newton AycliffeWho we are
AycLive is put on by Ayclive CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company run entirely by passionate volunteers. No faceless promoters or distant corporate teams, just local people who believe County Durham deserves a proper music festival right on its doorstep. Every single ticket goes straight back into making the next event bigger, better, and supporting local causes.
It all started back in 2023 when Newton Aycliffe marked its 75th anniversary. A small group of local music lovers decided the town needed a real celebration, launching our very first festival on July 29, 2023 at OakLeaf Sports Field with iconic 90s Britpop legends Cast and Dodgy alongside top local talent.
What began as a one-off anniversary showcase quickly captured the community’s heart and transformed into a cherished annual tradition. Today, AycLive continues to bring families and music fans together for two incredible days of live music, fantastic food, and pure community spirit.
How we got here
Year one
Cast • Dodgy
The very first AycLive launched to mark Newton Aycliffe’s 75th anniversary, welcoming 1,000 music fans to the field. A team of local volunteers, one sports field, and two iconic Britpop headliners created an incredible day of live music and community spirit. It set the ultimate foundation!
Year two
The Real Thing
Year two proved our community's appetite for a proper festival was booming as attendance jumped to 1,500 people. Soul legends The Real Thing headlined a packed day featuring a silent disco, circus skills workshops, and pure sunshine vibes across the field. The atmosphere was electric throughout!
Record crowd
Nik Kershaw • Clubland
We expanded to a two-day party featuring 80s icon Nik Kershaw and Friday dance anthems, drawing 2,000 festival-goers to the field. With even more delicious food traders, an expanded bar, and non-stop entertainment, it proved just how much County Durham loves a great big summer singalong!
Year four
The Hoosiers
Our fourth year hit new heights with a record-breaking 2,500 people joining us across the weekend! Multi-million album-selling indie-pop legends The Hoosiers delivered an unbelievable headline set, capping off our biggest build yet with more food traders, expanded family fun, and legendary summer vibes!
Fifth edition
Fri 23 – Sat 24 July
Our fifth edition, all ages on both days. You in?
Everyone who makes AycLive happen gives up their own time to do it. Organisers, stewards, litter heroes, set-up crew: all volunteers, all local, all brilliant.
Join the crewWhat you said
“What a fantastic first year for Ayclive! It was so refreshing to have a local event that brought together music lovers of all ages, offering a brilliant family-friendly vibe.”
“It is great to see our community come together for such a fun event. The organisers have created something truly special here, and I am thrilled to see it growing.”
“A fantastic day and very well organised! A massive shout out to all the bar staff who kept smiling all day. Looking forward to coming back for another year!”
Give your time, or back us as a business. Either way, you’re keeping a community festival going.
