The Unthanks to headline Tees Folk at Stockton Globe

Tees Folk will make its comeback, returning to the Stockton Globe on Saturday, September 19, , after a year-long pause in 2025.

The third edition of the event promises a fresh line-up of contemporary and traditional talent, headlined by Mercury Music Prize nominees The Unthanks.

John Smith (Image: Supplied)

Rachel and Becky Unthank, performing for the first time at the Stockton Globe, will lead their full 10-piece band in what will be the last chance to see The Unthanks in 2026 performing with their full 10-piece band.

Described as “one of the UK’s most acclaimed folk acts,” The Unthanks are known for blending time-honoured traditions with contemporary influences, creating what organisers call a “powerful, moving and captivating” live experience.

Returning to the stage is Middlesbrough’s Amelia Coburn, who performed at the inaugural Tees Folk in 2023.

Since then, she has completed a sold-out solo UK tour and supported major acts including Paul Weller, Suzanne Vega and The Proclaimers.

The festival will also welcome acclaimed singer-songwriter John Smith, who has spent two decades at the forefront of British folk guitar music.

Poster (Image: Supplied)

With more than 125 million Spotify streams, the Essex-born artist is known for his “deeply romantic songwriting” and “innovative guitar work.”

John Smith has performed around the world and built a loyal following.

Completing the line-up is East Cleveland’s Dale Husband, who performs as Glad Town Ghost.

Mr Husband’s sound blends vivid, post-industrial storytelling with American folk influences, for fans of Jackson C Frank and Cormac McCarthy.

His solo concept album, The Endless Heavy Sleep, came in 2020.

Organisers promise that Tees Folk will once again transform the Stockton Globe with its unique atmosphere and eclectic mix of carefully curated traditional and contemporary sounds. “There will be no shortage of emotive storytelling and harmonious melodies.”

Tickets are available now through the Stockton Globe website.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit stocktonglobe.co.uk.