TEG Europe has announced plans to launch the biggest festival the North East of England has ever seen next summer.

The 45,000-capacity event will take place on Newcastle’s Town Moor under the name Come Together.

The 4–8 June 2025 festival is slated to feature a lineup of soon-to-be-revealed UK and global artists, as well as immersive art installations and food vendors, according to TEG.

Newcastle’s previous biggest festival, This Is Tomorrow (cap. 15,000), has not been organised since 2021. Its parent company SSD Concerts, which also promoted Hit the North, Bingley Weekender and Corbridge festival, ceased operations after allegations were made against managing director Steve Davis.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring an event of this calibre to the North East,” says Toby Leighton-Pope, managing director of TEG Europe. “Newcastle can expect an unforgettable festival experience featuring some of the biggest and best names in global music. This festival is all about celebrating the region, its culture, and its love for music, and we can’t wait to share more details in the coming weeks. We’re gearing up for what will be a landmark event for the region.”

“Newcastle can expect an unforgettable festival experience featuring some of the biggest and best names in global music”

TEG Europe will collaborate with The Freemen of Newcastle, a conservation body protecting the Town Moors, and the City Council on Come Together.

A spokesperson for The Freemen of Newcastle comments: “We are delighted to be working alongside TEG to deliver this huge event for Newcastle and the wider region. We are very fortunate to have one of the largest and most iconic outdoor events spaces in the UK. We look forward to welcoming attendees from all parts of the UK. Together we have a long-term plan to make this a high-profile annual celebration on the Town Moor, and with the level of international artists already booked we are all excited to see the first shows announced.”

TEG Europe promotes over 2,000 concerts a year from intimate club shows to large-scale stadium tours. The firm’s roster of artists includes Noel Gallagher, Bryan Adams, Busted, Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Girls Aloud, 50 Cent and McFly.

TEG Europe is part of TEG, the global live entertainment, ticketing, and digital company that spans 30 brands in 40 countries across six continents.

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Girls Aloud have announced they are reuniting for a UK and Ireland arena tour to commemorate their 21st anniversary as a group.

The girl group, who formed on British TV talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, comprises Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. The concerts – their first tour in 11 years – will be dedicated to their former bandmate Sarah Harding, who died of cancer in 2021, aged 39.

Promoted by TEG Europe, The Girls Aloud Show will launch in Dublin on 18 May next year, before visiting Belfast, Manchester, Cardiff, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Nottingham, Leeds, Birmingham, London and Liverpool.

“It’s the right time to celebrate Sarah, it’s the right time to celebrate the band and the right time to celebrate the fact we can still do this 21 years later”

“We all started talking about the possibility of doing something to celebrate Girls Aloud’s 20-year anniversary a few years ago,” says Cheryl. “The anniversary seemed like an obvious thing that we would celebrate. But when Sarah fell ill all priorities changed. She passed away a year before the anniversary and it just didn’t feel right, it felt too soon.

“But now, I think there is an energy that does makes it feel right. It’s the right time to celebrate Sarah, it’s the right time to celebrate the band and the right time to celebrate the fact we can still do this 21 years later. That’s a big honour in lots of ways.”

Girls Aloud, who are represented by Fascination Management, have sold more than five million albums in the UK and hold the Guinness World Record for their 20 consecutive UK Top 10 singles. The group will not be releasing any new music around the tour.

Their full list of tour dates is as follows:

Sat 18 May – 3Arena Dublin

Mon 20 May – SSE Arena Belfast

Thurs 23 May – Manchester AO Arena

Fri 24 May – Manchester AO Arena

Mon 27 May – Cardiff Utilita Arena

Fri 31 May – Newcastle Utilita Arena

Sat 1 Jun – Newcastle Utilita Arena

Tues 4 Jun – Aberdeen P&J Live

Sat 8 Jun – Glasgow OVO Hydro

Weds 12 Jun – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

Sat 15 Jun – Leeds First Direct Arena

Tues 18 Jun – Birmingham Resorts World Arena

Sat 22 Jun – London The O2

Sun 23 Jun – London The O2

Sat 29 Jun – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena

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The LGBTIQ+ List 2023 – IQ Magazine’s third annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s third Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Check out yesterday’s profile with Karim Siddiqui, senior booking manager at Live Nation in Beverly Hills, US.

The series continues with Areti Tziorta (She/her/hers), marketing manager at TEG Europe in Birmingham and Bristol, UK.

Areti Tziorta is a marketing communications pro with an entertainment industry background. Specialising in creating/executing marketing strategies for live events, venues, festivals, and productions, driving attendance and boosting brand awareness. Seeks innovative ways to engage audiences through exceptional social media and PR skills. With a knack for communicating event value and delivering results, crafting unforgettable experiences that surpass expectations. With ten+ years of proven success, dedicated to exceeding client goals through strategic marketing, event management, and impactful campaigns.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2023 so far.
I have had some incredible professional achievements in 2023. First off, I had the amazing opportunity to lead the marketing and PR campaign for the TEG Live Europe’s Dizzee Rascal 20 Years since Boy In Da Corner show at London O2. It was a blast working on the marketing for Burna Boy’s London stadium show as a client of Ticketek, too. And right now, I’m in the thick of it, working very closely with our TEG Sport for a Man Utd v Lyon showcase match in Edinburgh this June! These experiences have been absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have contributed to their incredible success.

Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
Lil Nas X at Glastonbury! A truly ground-breaking queer artist who continually pushes the boundaries of music and self-expression. From his chart-topping hits to his fearless and unapologetic approach to his identity, Lil Nas X has become an influential figure in the music industry, and his live performances are known to be really energetic and full of surprises.

What advice could you give to young queer professionals?
My advice would be to embrace your authentic self and celebrate your unique perspective. Don’t be afraid to bring your whole self to the table, as your diversity and lived experiences can be a tremendous asset in the workplace. Seek out mentors and allies who can support and guide you in your career journey. Network within the LGBTQIA+ community and connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. Remember to prioritise self-care and advocate for your needs in the workplace. Finally, believe in yourself and your abilities, as you have the power to make a significant impact and thrive in your chosen field.

What’s the best mistake you’ve ever made?
Even though it may sound crazy, I would say hiding my sexuality for the early part of my life. While it was a challenging and confusing experience, it ultimately led me to a profound realisation. Coming to terms with my true self and embracing my identity allowed me to experience a sense of freedom, self-acceptance, and genuine happiness. It taught me the importance of authenticity and living life on my own terms. Now, I am passionate about advocating for others to embrace their true selves from an early stage, so they don’t have to endure the internal struggle and uncertainty that I went through. Everyone deserves to live openly and authentically, without fear or shame, and I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and accepting environment where individuals can be proud of who they are.

“As a Cypriot woman, I witness first-hand the limited opportunities and recognition given to talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds”

In terms of challenges in the industry, what’s currently keeping you up at night?
The gender gap and underrepresentation of ethnic minorities and people of colour (POC) in the industry is a pressing challenge. As a Cypriot woman, I witness first-hand the limited opportunities and recognition given to talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. It is crucial to proactively address these issues by promoting diversity and inclusion, breaking down systemic barriers, and amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups.

To create a more equitable industry, we must challenge biases, advocate for equal opportunities, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity. By joining collective efforts and fostering an inclusive environment, we can pave the way for a future where gender and ethnicity no longer hinder one’s potential for success. It is through our collective actions that we can create positive change and build a more inclusive industry for all.

How do you see the live music business developing in the next few years?
Technology will enhance the concert experience, with shows like ABBA Voyage showcasing cutting-edge visuals. We’ll also witness the rise of queer artists, leading to a more fluid definition of genres and how we consume music. Multi-genre mashups will become prevalent, and the industry will strike a balance between reflecting on its past and exploring innovative sounds. With technology driving change, the mainstream and underground scenes may further differentiate.

Additionally, sustainability will be a key consideration, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, reduced waste, and renewable energy sources. Festivals and club nights will strive to minimise their environmental impact and contribute positively to the communities they operate in. Overall, it’s a transformative time of endless possibilities where the live entertainment industry thrives by embracing diversity and adapting to evolving audience preferences.

Name one thing you’d like to see the live music business change.
One thing I would like to see the live music business change is to prioritise accessibility for all music lovers. Accessibility encompasses various aspects, including physical accessibility for people with disabilities, affordability of tickets, and representation of diverse artists and genres. It is important for the live music industry to create inclusive environments where everyone can fully enjoy and participate in live performances. This includes providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities, offering ticket options at different price points to make concerts more accessible to a wider audience, and actively promoting and supporting underrepresented artists from diverse backgrounds. By focusing on accessibility, the live music business can create a more inclusive and enriching experience for all music enthusiasts.

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
One thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place is to actively promote and prioritise diversity and inclusion at all levels. This includes diversifying the representation of artists, professionals, and decision-makers across genres, backgrounds, and identities. The industry should actively seek out and support underrepresented voices, providing them with equal opportunities for recognition, exposure, and career advancement. Implementing inclusive hiring practices, fostering mentorship programmmes, and investing in diversity training and education are crucial steps towards creating a more equitable industry. By embracing and celebrating diversity, the industry can foster a more inclusive and representative space that reflects the richness of talent and perspectives within the music community.

“One thing I would like to see the live music business change is to prioritise accessibility for all music lovers”

Shout out to your biggest ally in the live music industry.
Saffron Records is an incredible ally in the music industry, specifically focused on tackling gender inequality and disparity. As a non-profit organisation and record label based in Bristol, Saffron has been instrumental in creating safer spaces and opportunities for marginalised individuals in music tech. They address the underrepresentation of women, non-binary, POC, and ethnically diverse people in the industry. I had the privilege of joining their music production course last year, which was a transformative experience. Saffron’s commitment to advancing gender equality in the music tech sector is commendable, and I witnessed first-hand the impact they have in nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity. They are currently fundraising to secure their future, and I encourage everyone to support their cause.

Do you support any LGBTIQ+ cause(s)?
Terrence Higgins Trust is a leading HIV and sexual health charity in the UK, providing support, information, and advocacy for people living with or affected by HIV and promoting sexual health education. Stonewall is a renowned charity working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and providing resources to support inclusive workplaces, schools, and communities.

Mermaids UK is a charity that supports transgender and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families, offering advice, resources, and advocacy to help improve understanding and acceptance. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is a global organisation established by John to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, funding innovative research, prevention programs, and support services worldwide. Switchboard is a helpline and support service that provides a safe and confidential space for LGBTQ+ individuals to discuss their feelings, concerns, and experiences, offering emotional support and information. These organisations play significant roles in advocating for the rights, health, and well-being of the LGBTIQ+ community, addressing important issues and providing support to those who need it.

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IQ Magazine has revealed the LGBTIQ+ List 2023 – the third annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s third Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

The 20 individuals comprising the LGBTIQ+ List 2023 – as nominated by our readers and verified by our esteemed steering committee – are individuals that have gone above and beyond to wave the flag for an industry that we can all be proud of.

The third instalment comprises agents, promoters, tour managers, marketing executives, consultants, founders and more – all of whom identify as LGBTIQ+ and, in the face of adversity, have made enormous contributions to their respective sectors.

In alphabetical order, the LGBTIQ+ List 2023 is:

Christina Austin, music agent, United Talent Agency (UK)
Hila Aviran, director of entertainment & tours, PixMob (US)
Johanna Beckman, senior creative curator and promoter, FKP Scorpio Sweden (SE)
Amy Greig, booking agent, Runway Artists (UK)
Adem Holness, head of contemporary music, Southbank Centre (UK)
Kane Kete, client development manager, Ticketmaster (AU)
Ippei Kimura, booking/marketing/tour manager, Creativeman Productions (JP)
Katherine Koranteng, marketing & campaigns manager, Festival Republic (UK)
Stefan Lehmkuhl, freelance curator & live entertainment consultant, BMG/Ruined My Rainbow (DE)
Lucy Mackenzie McNae, tour manager (Josef, Twin Atlantic), Two and a Half TMs (UK)
Saskhia Menendez, innovator at Keychange, board of directors at F-List Music (UK)
Dev Mistry, global internal comms manager, DICE (UK)
Frederik Diness Ove, founder, Queer Music Agency (DK)
Boyan Pinter (Boiadjiev), founder/director, SPIKE Bulgarian Music Showcase (BG)
Scott Robson, event manager, ASM Global (UK)
Roman Samotný, director, Queer Slovakia (SK)
Marie-Christine Scheffold, senior booking agent manager, Selective Artists (DE)
Karim Siddiqui, senior booking manager, Live Nation (US)
Areti Tziorta, marketing manager, TEG Europe (UK)
João Pedro Viana, music agent, WME (UK)

Throughout the next month, IQ will be publishing full-length interviews with each person on the LGBTIQ+ List 2023.

Subscribers can read the full Pride edition now. Click here to subscribe to IQ from less than £8 a month – or see what you’re missing out on with the limited preview below.

Check out 2022’s cohort of queer pioneers here, and 2021’s cohort here.

TEG Europe has continued to grow its UK business with the hiring of experienced promoter Alex Simmonds as head of UK touring and special projects.

Simmonds joins TEG after eight years at SJM Concerts where he booked the Country to Country (C2C) festival and worked with brands such as Disney, Studio Ghibli, BBC, Sony and Amazon on live shows. He was also the lead live programmer of the Podcast show London.

At TEG, he will be tasked with leading the promoting team helping them grow in the UK across all formats of entertainment.

“Having worked with him booking C2C festival, I know he is going to make a huge contribution to TEG Europe”

“We are very excited to have Alex join the team,” says TEG Europe managing director Toby Leighton-Pope. “I’ve been a big fan of his for a long time and having worked with him booking C2C festival I know he is going to make a huge contribution to TEG Europe.”

Australasian live entertainment powerhouse TEG announced the formation of TEG Europe back in July, consolidating the company’s UK-based operations into a single entity. Former AEG UK co-CEO Leighton-Pope was brought in as MD, with former TEG MJR CEO Richard Buck becoming head of European touring and middle east partnerships.

“I’m thrilled to be joining TEG Europe,” adds Simmonds. “Toby and I have been friends for a while and I’m looking forward to working with him and the whole team at TEG.”

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A number of UK promoters have spoken to IQ about the impact of currency fluctuation on international touring, as the pound sterling continues on a tumultuous trajectory.

The currency slumped to a two-week low against the dollar of $1.0954 on Tuesday morning (11 October), before rebounding less than 24 hours later. However, Goldman Sachs told Pound Sterling Live it expects the pound to continue to weaken due to “flawed fundamentals”.

Richard Buck, head of European touring and Middle East partnerships at TEG Europe, tells IQ that the declining rate is having “a significant impact on international touring”.

“Offers made in USD, if the currency is not pre-booked, may need to be adjusted or even pushed back,” he says. “Also for artists who are paid in pound sterling, it becomes less attractive to visit the market as their potential return can diminish by around 20% versus the original forecast.

“Anyone that is incurring costs in dollars and getting paid in sterling, in particular, is going to struggle”

“Any multi-territory deal that has been made in USD is now harder to sell into territories as the return is harder to achieve. However, those already sold into markets such as the Middle East where the primary artist currency is USD may benefit from the improved conversion.”

The pound fell to an all-time low of $1.03 last month in the wake of the government’s mini-budget, prompting AEG Presents UK chief Steve Homer to list the exchange rate as one of the promoter’s biggest concerns, while US artists including Animal Collective cancelled tours, in part, due to currency devaluation.

But as Kilimanjaro Live CEO Stuart Galbraith points out, dwindling currency is not an issue unique to the UK.

“The dollar is strong against most currencies in the world at the moment so it’s probably an issue in Europe generally,” he notes. “But anyone that is incurring costs in dollars and getting paid in sterling, in particular, is going to struggle.”

Galbraith says that even though a large proportion of Kilimanjaro’s business is domestic, the promoter is still seeing the effects of the pound-to-dollar slump.

“Acts from America are telling us that they cannot afford to tour in Europe. We’ve certainly lost a couple of isolated shows in the last three or four months and we had a couple of tours that we were about to go on sale with but we’ve now been told the artist isn’t coming to the continent.

“Some acts will have put together budgets earlier on in the year when they were expecting they’d get a $1.30/40 for every pound. If they’re now redoing those budgets on an almost parity basis then you can absolutely understand why they’re not able to balance the books and go through with the tour.”

“It comes down to whether a US artist is able to use crew and suppliers that are UK and Europe based”

Galbraith says there are two possible short-term solutions for American artists. The first is to incur as many costs as possible in local currency and minimise the exposure to dollar expenditure, and the second is to reduce the scale of the show and do it on a more cost-effective basis, he says.

“It comes down to whether a US artist is able to use crew and suppliers that are UK and Europe based, instead of bringing staff and equipment from the US – which is all going to be paid for in dollars – and incurring transatlantic flights which are now extremely expensive in comparison to pre-covid times,” he says.

While Galbraith believes cost-cutting measures could be the solution to bringing US artists to the UK, Homer is concerned it’ll come down to UK promoters to offer bigger fees.

“We were almost on parity, which has not been something we’ve been familiar with for a long, long time. And it’s really biting in terms of artists touring over here – it becomes far more expensive for them to do it and it’ll be interesting to see how that impacts going forward. It’s creating a few anxious thoughts as to whether we can afford to offer American artists what they need to come over, so it might mean we’re missing a few that we would normally see.”

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Live music veteran Toby Leighton-Pope has been appointed managing director of the newly formed TEG Europe.

Leighton-Pope will oversee the operation, strategic direction and rapid expansion of the UK-based arm of Australia’s live entertainment powerhouse.

He was previously co-CEO of AEG Presents UK from 2016 to December 2021 and spent the prior 16 years at Live Nation, latterly as senior vice president music.

Leighton-Pope has worked with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire, Michael Buble and Katy Perry.

He is also responsible for launching the Hard Rock Calling Festival in Hyde Park, for which he booked artists including Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and The Who.

“Toby’s outstanding record in the live entertainment industry speaks for itself”

TEG CEO Geoff Jones welcomed Leighton-Pope to the global TEG Family, saying: “Toby’s outstanding record in the live entertainment industry speaks for itself. His ideas, connections, and infectious enthusiasm make him the perfect choice to lead the further expansion of TEG’s successful integrated model into the vibrant UK and European markets.”

Leighton-Pope adds: “I am thrilled to join TEG as managing director of TEG Europe. In the past decade, Geoff and his team have built TEG from Australia’s leading ticketing company, Ticketek, into an increasingly global and leading player in live entertainment, ticketing, venue, digital and data.

“I am thrilled to be working with the talented and passionate TEG Europe Team including Richard Buck [the former CEO of TEG MJR] who is taking on a vital role for us as head of European touring and middle east partnerships.

“We have a huge opportunity to grow our business and build on TEG’s enduring track record of touring success in concerts, sport, festivals, theatre, musicals, exhibitions, family entertainment, comedy, and e-sports, and Ticketek’s 40+ years’ experience ticketing major international events and partnering with the world’s premier venues.”

Formed last month, TEG Europe consolidates TEG’s UK-based operations into a single entity, comprising TEG Live Europe, TEG Venues, Propaganda, Ticketek and Ovation.

TEG Live Europe includes the former TEG MJR touring business, which has worked with artists including Snoop Dogg, Sia, Hans Zimmer, 50 Cent, Tom Jones, and Culture Club.

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Australasian live entertainment powerhouse TEG has announced the formation of TEG Europe, consolidating the company’s UK-based operations into a single entity.

Based out of London and Bristol, TEG Europe comprises five different divisions: TEG Live Europe, TEG Venues, Propaganda, Ticketek and Ovation.

TEG Live Europe includes the former TEG MJR touring business, which has worked with artists including Snoop Dogg, Sia, Hans Zimmer, 50 Cent, Tom Jones, and Culture Club.

TEG Venues includes 10 owned, operated, co-promoted, and programmed venues throughout the UK, including Tramshed (cap. 1,000) in Cardiff, XOYO (800) in London and The Mill (1,000) in Birmingham.

Propaganda, the UK’s leading indie rock & roll nightclub brand, includes fifteen weekly events across the country, as well as promoted events in the US, Australia, Brazil and Ibiza.

Ticketek, which has 40+ years’ experience ticketing major international events and partnering with some of the world’s best venues, was introduced into the UK in 2020 and already works with some of the country’s premier venues.

“Today’s news represents a crucial milestone in the expansion of TEG and positions us for further growth across Europe”

And Ovation, TEG’s data science and analytics business, provides sports organisations, venues, promoters, content creators, media and tech partners with analytics, data science, research, personalisation, and advanced digital marketing.

TEG already has a significant presence in the UK and Europe, having acquired Bristol-based promoter and venue operator MJR Group in 2019. According to TEG, the company already promotes more than 2,000 shows annually in the country and on the continent.

TEG CEO Geoff Jones says: “Today’s news represents a crucial milestone in the expansion of TEG’s successful integrated live entertainment model into the vibrant UK market and positions us for further growth across Europe.

“By combining these businesses into a single customer-focused operation, we are well positioned to work with new and existing industry partners in the UK and Europe to help grow their businesses while continuing our own growth in the region.”

Concert promotion, ticketing and technology firm TEG operates out of seven countries worldwide with offices in Australia, New Zealand, south-east Asia and the UK.

The group includes TEG Live, TEG Sport, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, SXSW Sydney, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, TEG Rockefeller, Handsome Tours, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

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