A one-of-a-kind community recording session beneath the historic arches of Gateshead’s Railway Quarter, capturing its vibrant spirit in music while raising money for DAFT AS A BRUSH.

On Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, the old stone arch at Station East will become a recording studio, and the whole room will become the band. This setup will create an intimate, raw, almost church-like atmosphere where every note becomes a little echo of history. We will not simply be recording music in Gateshead. We will be recording the living, vibrant soul of the Railway Quarter.

Together, we will create and record a unique Railway Quarter version of The Shades Song, one of barn54’s most joyful and playful songs. We will bring the foundations, but everybody in the room will create this new version. Local musicians, creatives, singers, writers, storytellers, photographers, filmmakers and curious neighbours will all be invited to help capture the humour, warmth, creativity, rough edges and vibrant spirit of the Railway Quarter.

How can I take part?

• Sing a melody, harmony or community chorus
• Bring an instrument, jam & play with others
• Add percussion, handclaps, shouts or laughter
• Compose, write lyrics or share a local story
• Contribute spoken word or poetry
• Capture the day through photography or film
• Enjoy a beer & watch the recording come alive

No professional experience is required, and nobody will be pressured to perform. You can take an active role in shaping the song or simply watch, listen and enjoy being part of the atmosphere. Even a clap, a laugh or a voice joining the room could find its way into the finished recording.

Who is it for?

• Experienced musicians and complete beginners
• Singers, instrumentalists, writers and poets
• Photographers and filmmakers
• Railway Quarter regulars and neighbours
• Curious visitors who simply want to experience the session, have a pint and unexpectedly end up immortalised in a chorus.

Timetable

12:00 PM: Ideas, arrangement and soundcheck. We will listen to the original song and begin shaping the new version. This is the time to share local stories, work on lyrics, develop vocal and instrumental parts, organise the arrangement and prepare everything for the recording.

2:00 PM: Recording session. We will record  instruments and small vocal groups first, community choruses and moments involving the whole room after. You will be able to experience how a recording is built while helping create something super special

7:00 PM: Live celebration. The newly created version will be performed for a public audience, followed by a short barn54 set celebrating and thanking everyone who helped bring it to life.

We will release the finished track afterwards once it’s mixed, together with photographs and footage from the day, as a musical time capsule of this Sunday.

Music for a local cause

The event will support DAFT AS A BRUSH – Cancer Patient Care, with every penny of the £10 participation ticket and donations going directly to the cause.