Hundreds gather for annual Crookfest music festival 2026

Crook Town AFC’s football ground was bouncing and full of energy as music lovers travelled from far and wide for Crookfest on May 3.

Cover and tribute bands took to the three stages playing everything from rock to pop and indie to reggae, much to the delight of the hundreds of ticket holders who showed up to party at the one-day event.

Oasis Jam perform at Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

This year’s line-up included A Foreigners Journey, AC/DC UK, KISS tribute Dressed to Kill, Prodigy tribute Jilted Generation, Alanis Morrissette tribute Alanis: Jagged Little Pill, INXS UK and Metallica tribute Metal Militia.

Pictures from the event show festival-goers singing along to the tribute acts, dancing the day away in front of the stages and children on the shoulders of parents to get a better view.

Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Metal Militia perform at Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Even when typical bank holiday weather threatened to dampen spirits, crowds packed into the marquees and carried on enjoying the music.

Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Crookfest started in 2010, and if not for the pandemic, this would have been its 16th annual event.

Dubbed as “the ultimate bank holiday all dayer”, the festival attracts music fans every year from across the North East.

Can you spot yourself in any of our pictures?