In the North East, music and community are deeply connected. Few stories reflect that better than Sam Fender’s rise from a local lad with a guitar to one of the UK’s most celebrated artists. Gorilla Media is proud to have played a small but visible role along the way.
Back in 2019, our van advert helped promote one of Sam’s earliest headline arena shows at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. It was a big step for him and a proud moment for the region. We were there, helping make sure his name and his music reached the people who needed to hear it.
Now, in 2025, Sam has taken things to another level.
A Weekend to Remember at St. James’ Park
This summer, Sam Fender returned to St. James’ Park for three massive nights in front of over 150,000 fans. The streets of Newcastle were filled with excitement, pride and music. For many, it wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration of identity and belonging.
Once again, Gorilla Media was on the ground. Our digital advertising vans were deployed across key areas around the stadium. But this time, we weren’t just promoting Sam. We were also helping raise awareness for something just as local and just as special – Sunday for Sammy.
What Is Sunday for Sammy?
Sunday for Sammy is now in its 25th year. It’s a variety show with a mission. Designed to raise funds for young creative talent in the North East, it showcases some of the region’s most loved actors, musicians and comedians. The money raised goes directly to helping young performers access training, equipment, and opportunities that can change their lives.
Over the years, the show has featured big names like Ant & Dec, Tim Healy, Mark Knopfler, Denise Welch, Jill Halfpenny and many others. But its real power is in the support it gives to the next wave of local talent, the future Sam Fenders.
Giving Back to Where It All Began
In a powerful gesture, Sam Fender donated a portion of his ticket sales from opening night at St. James’ Park to local causes, including Sunday for Sammy. It was a reminder of how far he’s come, and how committed he remains to his roots.
For Gorilla Media, it was an honour to support the show during such a high-profile weekend. Our van advert helped carry that message through the crowds, making sure people knew about the initiative and how they could support it.
A Van Advert That Stands Out
When footfall is high and energy is everywhere, static ads often get lost. A van advert is a mobile, high-impact way to engage with your audience in real time. It moves where the people are, displaying your message on a bright, high-resolution screen that can’t be ignored.
During the concert weekend, our digital advertising vans displayed bold visuals promoting Sunday for Sammy. We navigated the streets surrounding the stadium, capturing the attention of thousands of music fans. Our content ran from early afternoon until well into the evening, making sure we caught people before and after each show.
This mobile approach worked because it felt present, relevant and timely. It showed that local events can support each other, and that messaging doesn’t need to be stuck in one place to be effective, a
From Arena to Anthem: How Our Van Advert Helped Spotlight Sam Fender and Sunday for Sammy
In the North East, music and community are deeply connected. Few stories reflect that better than Sam Fender’s rise from a local lad with a guitar to one of the UK’s most celebrated artists. Gorilla Media is proud to have played a small but visible role along the way.
Back in 2019, our van advert helped promote one of Sam’s earliest headline arena shows at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. It was a big step for him and a proud moment for the region. We were there, helping make sure his name and his music reached the people who needed to hear it.
Now, in 2025, Sam has taken things to another level.
A Weekend to Remember at St. James’ Park
This summer, Sam Fender returned to St. James’ Park for three massive nights in front of over 150,000 fans. The streets of Newcastle were filled with excitement, pride and music. For many, it wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration of identity and belonging.
Once again, Gorilla Media was on the ground. Our digital advertising vans were deployed across key areas around the stadium. But this time, we weren’t just promoting Sam. We were also helping raise awareness for something just as local and just as special – Sunday for Sammy.
What Is Sunday for Sammy?
Sunday for Sammy is now in its 25th year. It’s a variety show with a mission. Designed to raise funds for young creative talent in the North East, it showcases some of the region’s most loved actors, musicians and comedians. The money raised goes directly to helping young performers access training, equipment, and opportunities that can change their lives.
Over the years, the show has featured big names like Ant & Dec, Tim Healy, Mark Knopfler, Denise Welch, Jill Halfpenny and many others. But its real power is in the support it gives to the next wave of local talent, the future Sam Fenders.
Giving Back to Where It All Began
In a powerful gesture, Sam Fender donated a portion of his ticket sales from opening night at St. James’ Park to local causes, including Sunday for Sammy. It was a reminder of how far he’s come, and how committed he remains to his roots.
For Gorilla Media, it was an honour to support the show during such a high-profile weekend. Our van advert helped carry that message through the crowds, making sure people knew about the initiative and how they could support it.
A Van Advert That Stands Out
When footfall is high and energy is everywhere, static ads often get lost. A van advert is a mobile, high-impact way to engage with your audience in real time. It moves where the people are, displaying your message on a bright, high-resolution screen that can’t be ignored.
During the concert weekend, our digital advertising vans displayed bold visuals promoting Sunday for Sammy. We navigated the streets surrounding the stadium, capturing the attention of thousands of music fans. Our content ran from early afternoon until well into the evening, making sure we caught people before and after each show.
This mobile approach worked because it felt present, relevant and timely. It showed that local events can support each other, and that messaging doesn’t need to be stuck in one place to be effective, adding to the carnival atmosphere.
Why Work with Gorilla Media?
We understand that when it comes to out-of-home advertising, placement and timing matter. But so does trust. Gorilla Media works with causes, companies and creative organisations that want their message to land in the right places.
When you book a van advert with us, you get:
- A fully managed campaign tailored to your audience
- Expert advice on timing, placement and visuals
- Live, mobile coverage that adapts to your location
- Support from a team that knows how to work major events
Whether it’s a political campaign, a brand activation or a cultural celebration, we’re ready to help you make an impact.
Looking to the Future
Sam Fender’s story is still unfolding. So is Sunday for Sammy’s. Both show how cultural moments can bring people together – something Gorilla Media is proud to support, wherever they happen.
Our Gorilla van adverts are more than just screens on wheels. They’re a national platform to connect people with causes, with culture, and with each other.
If you’re planning a campaign and want to get noticed, talk to us.