York Theatre Royal to Host the UK's First National New Music Stage as part of Aesthetica Film Festival

Aesthetica Film Festival is held at York Theatre Royal.

Aesthetica Film Festival is soon to bring the launch of the New Music Stage and New Music Pass, which has been dubbed the UK’s version of SXSW, to York Theatre Royal. The Aesthetica New Music Stage will take place on Saturday 8 November at the iconic York Theatre Royal as part of Aesthetica Film Festival, which runs from 5-9 November 2025. Winners of the New Music Stage will be announced on the day and will perform immediately after their win.

Aesthetica, which is held annually in Yorkshire's historic city, is now not only one of the country’s leading independent short film festivals, but also a pioneering national competition for emerging music talent. For the first time, audiences will be able to experience the country's most exciting new acts within the context of a world-class film festival – a cultural first for not only Yorkshire, but the UK.

The inaugural line-up showcases exceptional breadth and originality with an exciting cast of fearless and fresh new voices. Opening the stage at just 19, North East rising star Isabel Maria has already won major cultural awards and been celebrated by Rolling Stone for her raw, alternative pop songwriting. Then there’s Crazy James, a rapper who demonstrates sheer craft and consistency; his blistering flows, DIY feel and commanding live sets have already turned grassroots energy into headline moments across London and beyond.

Following them is BLÁNID, an Irish singer-songwriter with a rich, storytelling voice, already earning over a million streams, support from BBC Radio 1 and a UK tour with folk legend Judy Collins. Liverpool’s Daisy Gill will then bring retro-pop charm with powerhouse vocals and a magnetic energy that earned her a rare four-chair turn on The Voice UK and over 10 million TikTok views. Ewan Sim is another exciting northern voice, this time from Manchester, who blends indie, pop, rock, and soul into heartfelt songs of intimacy and power.

Pleasure Centre are an alt/art rock quintet from the North Yorkshire coast, able to conjure delicate melodies and euphoric walls of sound inspired by shoegaze and Radiohead. Then you have Kengo, a songwriter and vocalist who channels honesty and lived experience into music that is raw and powerful. Jemma Johnston, the self-taught multi-instrumentalist, adds her unique spin on alternative pop, with festival slots from our very own Tramlines, to MiCannes and a live energy that has been recognised on Radio 1.

Rounding out the line-up we have Tarian, a Welsh artist blending hip hop with emotive pop and classical roots, has amassed over 2M streams and built a devoted TikTok following. Finally, Dilettante – the art-pop project of Francesca Pidgeon – delivers dazzling, groove-laden sets that have taken her from Manchester basements to SXSW and NXNE.

“Aesthetica has always been about discovery – about bringing new voices, stories, and ideas to audiences,” says Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica Film Festival. “This is the only event of its kind in the UK: a film festival that also platforms the future of music. The New Music Stage gives audiences the opportunity to discover tomorrow’s stars right here in York. It’s about creating a cultural hub where film and music collide, ensuring that artists have the chance to be heard on both a national and international scale.” 

The New Music Stage is more than just a bill of extraordinary talent. It is a commitment to supporting the next wave of artists. With collaborations from Universal Music A&R and opportunities for national airplay across Caffè Nero, the festival is creating a pipeline that connects grassroots talent with national and international audiences.

The New Music Stage is part of Aesthetica’s Beyond the Frame programme, which also includes comedy with Taskmaster champion Sophie Duker, renowned film critic Mark Kermode, and silent cinema with live scores. This expanded programme celebrates creativity across film, music, and performance, offering festival-goers an unmissable cultural experience.

Aesthetica Film Festival really encapsulates all parts of British Arts and Culture and with the addition of the New Music Stage, the festival becomes even more of a can't-miss moment in the UK's cultural calendar. Tickets are still available for this year's edition from the festivals official website here.