Aesthetica Film Festival Launches New Music Stage in York to Support Emerging UK Talent

Aesthetica launched its inaugural New Music Stage in November 2025 as part of its film festival in York, UK, creating a multidisciplinary platform for emerging musical talent. The stage featured 10 hand-picked artists performing within a creative ecosystem that integrates music with film, XR, and storytelling. Dilettante headlined the lineup, bringing emotive vocals and multi-instrumentation, while other performers included BLÁNID, Crazy James, Daisy Gill, Ewan Sim, Isabel Maria, Jemma Johnson, Kengo, Messy Eater, and Tarian. The initiative responds to the crisis facing UK grassroots music venues, with 125 such venues closing in 2023 alone and 38% of remaining venues operating at a loss. Festival founder Cherie Federico emphasized building connections and nurturing artists across disciplines, while Caffè Nero founder Pablo Ettinger highlighted the importance of supporting emerging talent. The festival attracts delegates, filmmakers, and attendees from over 60 countries, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. The online festival continues until 30 November 2025, accessible via asff.co.uk. The New Music Stage aims to provide visibility and international pathways for artists within a dynamic cultural context.