Who? Rip-roaring alt-rock outfit ready to blow your socks off. 

When? Rebel:Rebel, 2:50pm

Why? Any self-respecting day festival knows that you need to swing big to kick things off, and Twisterella is no exception; local lads End Credits are a Teesside trio whose combination of beefy basslines, no-messing-around riffs, and swaggering attitude makes for a serious dose of ​‘00s-influenced rock that you know means business from the off. Imagine if Muse’s Matt Bellamy had swapped Devon for Darlington, and you’re halfway there. Get down early to cocktail bar and new kid on the block Rebel:Rebel (formerly The Townhouse) to see what we mean and start your day right. 

Who? Excellently-named singer-songwriter in the vein of fellow rising stars Fiona-Lee and Heidi Curtis. 

When? The RAOB / Buffs Club, 4:20pm 

Why? Armed with striking vocals, heart-on-sleeve lyrics, and a name that’d make the cast of Drag Race UK jealous, Robyn Banks has already caused quite the stir up in her native North East, despite not yet having any music officially released. All the more reason, then, to take a mid-afternoon jaunt down to RAOB Buffs Club (a firm favourite social club and another venue making its Twisterella debut this year) to catch her melodic indie-pop in action. 

Who? Lush, expansive alt-pop to stop you in your tracks. 

When? Lounge Stage, Teesside University Students’ Union, 5:45pm 

Why? Boasting the kind of timeless, sumptuous voice that could as easily soundtrack an Old Hollywood film as a night in a smoky jazz bar, Gia Ford combines classic ​’70s songwriting sensibilities with artfully arranged, determinedly organic instrumentals, emerging as something of a cinematic little sister to Lana Del Rey and her vintage glamour. For the full experience, we’d recommend ordering either red wine or whiskey at the bar — she is playing TUSU’s Lounge Stage, after all. 

Who? South Coast upstarts who land like The Hoosiers’ long-lost sons. 

When? Terrace Bar Stage, Teesside University Students’ Union, 7:15pm

Why? This lot may be a fairly last-minute addition to the Twisterella 2026 bill, but you know what they say — good things come to those who wait. Canned Pineapple have been purveyors of buoyant jangle-pop since 2022, but it was with last year’s aptly-named ​‘Big Break’ EP that things really kicked up a gear; if you haven’t yet seen them peddling their peppy, party-starting wares in grassroots venues across the country, a stop in at TUSU’s Terrace Bar is a must. 

Who? Compelling Scottish quintet exploring identity and belonging via art-rock bangers. 

When? Hub Stage, Teesside University Students’ Union, 10:15pm

Why? We couldn’t really end the night anywhere else now, could we? For longtime DIY faves walt disco, third time really is the charm. While the Glasgow outfit’s two albums to date introduced their majestic brand of raw art-rock to the world, it’s with their brand-new self-titled outing that the band have become the true stars they were always destined to be. And what’s more, the record lands just 24 hours before walt disco take to the TUSU Hub Stage to headline Twisterella 2026! Did somebody say album release party…?

Twisterella 2026 will take place across various venues in Middlesbrough this Saturday, 3rd October. Find out more and get last minute tickets at twisterella.co.uk. 

Tags: Features, Festivals, Gia Ford, Twisterella, Walt Disco