A local music festival has earned national recognition as Newcastle-under-Lyme BID has been shortlisted for an award.

Newcastle-under-Lyme BID has been named a finalist in the Best Event of the Year category at the National BID Awards 2027 for Lymelight Festival.

Held over the late May bank holiday weekend, Lymelight has supported more than 700 local artists over the past 13 years, providing a platform for emerging performers alongside established acts.

The event also attracts thousands of visitors to local businesses.

Charlotte Pearce, Manager of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: "We're incredibly proud of Lymelight Festival and delighted to see it recognised on a national stage.

"It's one of our favourite events to deliver because it brings together so much of what makes Newcastle special, brilliant local talent, independent businesses and people coming together to enjoy their town.

"Over the past 13 years, the festival has given more than 700 local artists a platform to perform.

"This recognition celebrates their talent as well as the hard work of the venues, sponsors, production teams and partners who help bring the weekend to life.

"The footfall figures demonstrate the difference events like Lymelight Festival can make. Bringing more people into Newcastle creates opportunities for our businesses, introduces visitors to everything the town has to offer and gives people a reason to return."

Funded by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID with support from local sponsors, the 2026 programme featured more than 50 artists across three main town centre stages.

The stages included the Guildhall Stage sponsored by NSCG, the Ironmarket Stage sponsored by Heywoods Property and the 6 Towns Radio acoustic stage sponsored by Keele University.

Other local venues also participated, offering live music throughout the weekend.

Newcastle-under-Lyme BID said recorded visitor movements rose by 87 per cent on Saturday and 117 per cent on Sunday compared with the previous weekend, with more than 16,000 movements were recorded across the two days.

Charlotte added: "Lymelight is a real community celebration and its success comes from people working together. From the performers on stage to the teams behind the bars, it's a weekend that Newcastle helps to create.

"Being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. We're already looking at opportunities to build on this year's success and expand the festival for 2027, while keeping local talent and collaboration at its heart."

Lymelight Festival is set to return in 2027 over the Bank Holiday weekend of 29 to 30 May.