The Liminal Sound festival is back with more envelope-pushing sonics at the Star & Shadow in Newcastle this November.

This catch-your-breath event is the brainchild of local heroes Parastatic, artists who know more than a thing or two about sending listeners on a rocketship ride around the outer reaches of the planet Kosmische. And the band have added even more dimensions to their sound recently by collaborating with Late Girl—her spoken word pieces dovetail perfectly with Parastatic’s sonic derring-do. Also along for the ride this year are Leeds band Self Immolation Music. They deal in the kind of psychedelic wall of sound that is built around trance-inducing riffs and healthy dollops of fuzz and feedback. Also making the trip up from Leeds are Señor Pink, a band who will bring you tales from the underbelly of the North, while also hitting you up with a chunk of prog-noise-jazz instrumentation. If you’re looking for mesmeric soundscapes that use synths, field recordings, guitar and live drums, then you need to get a load of ambient genius Dextro. He’s primed to take audiences on an immersive journey—aided by accompanying visuals—that veers from meditative calm to furious intensity. Some incredible local up-and-comers will also be going through their paces including Spacecadetbloom, a shoegaze outfit that has been making waves while also catching the ear of BBC Introducing. Another local favourite is Nadine Hurley (pictured) who has recently been hitting national stages. Her chaotic live shows are a sight (and sound) to behold. And returning from his stint fronting up Marginal Gains last year is the now DIY solo artist Catastrophic Need. You really need his apocalyptic beats and biting social commentary in your life right now. DP

Liminal Sound 2026, Saturday 28 November, Star & Shadow, Newcastle, 4.30pm-11pm, £20, starandshadow.org.uk