Tyneside’s Newgate Social Stands in Solidarity with Sunderland’s The Bunker
Newgate Social, Newcastle's newest and most ambitious live music venue, has pledged to support The Bunker, Sunderland’s iconic music studio that’s facing significant financial difficulties.
As a testament to the unity of the North East’s music scene, Newgate Social will donate funds from ticket sales from its November gigs to help The Bunker raise the £30,000 needed to repair its leaky roof and continue its 42-year legacy of nurturing grassroots talent.
The Bunker, a storied space that has hosted legends like The Clash, Björk, and Billy Bragg, is not only a vital part of Sunderland’s music heritage but also a cornerstone of the wider regional music community. Built in 1890 as a bicycle factory, The Bunker transformed into a community music studio that has provided a safe haven for emerging artists for over four decades. Today, it stands as a vital incubator for local creativity.
Newgate Social Venue Manager, Cheryl Flowers, emphasised the significance of venues like The Bunker: "Newgate Social is deeply passionate about supporting the music community and emerging artists. Studios like The Bunker are essential in providing grassroots talent with the space to explore their creativity and grow into successful artists. It's in places like this that many musicians take their first steps on their journey.
"The Bunker has played a crucial role in nurturing local talent and fostering a vibrant music community, and we're proud to offer support by donating ticket sales from our November gigs."
Newgate Social, which recently opened in the heart of Newcastle near the legendary Mayfair Ballroom, is rapidly building its reputation as a premier destination for live music. The venue has already hosted major events, including performances by rising star Andrew Cushin and the Road to Hardwick Battle of the Bands, where winners Camel Island and Swindled secured prime festival slots.
In addition to its support for The Bunker, Newgate Social is proud to announce that it is now a Shout-Up! Certified venue, reinforcing its commitment to safety and respect in nightlife spaces. The Shout-Up! certification signifies that the venue has implemented robust policies to prevent and address sexual harassment and has trained its staff to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for all patrons.
Cheryl Flowers added, "We take sexual harassment very seriously and are committed to ensuring that all our customers feel comfortable and safe at our venue. Whether you're here for a day or night out, you can trust that we've created a space where respect and safety come first."
Newgate Social is committed to honouring and expanding upon Newcastle's rich musical heritage. Situated at The Gate, the venue offers a modern, artist-first space that caters to both underground and established acts. As a venue created by musicians for musicians, Newgate Social is poised to become a key player in the North East’s music ecosystem, offering opportunities for new collaborations and unforgettable experiences.
With the support of the wider music community, Newgate Social aims to not only stand by The Bunker in its time of need but also set new standards for safety and inclusivity in live music venues.