Newcastle

What's on in Newcastle and Gateshead

April/May/June

If you go down to the Gateshead Quayside today, you’re in for a big surprise. For here you’ll encounter Flow, a floating artwork you can board for free. The brainchild of Owl Project and Ed Carter, Flow is a tidemill, which uses a huge waterwheel to draw energy from the River Tyne’s current to power interactive musical instruments on board. It is one of 12 public art commissions funded by the UK Arts Council in celebration of the 2012 Olympics, and will be making its unique brand of music there until 16 September.

The Late Shows (18-19 May) is a weekend of after-hours events at up to 50 cultural venues throughout the city, including the Great North Museum: Hancock, The Biscuit Factory and Laing Art Gallery. Entertainment includes hands-on arts activities and behind-the-scenes tours. The Evolution Festival (3-4 June) offers great music at the Gateshead Quayside, with headliners Dizzee Rascal, Maximo Park, Deadmau5 and Noah & The Whale and some top DJ sets.

If you need any further reason to visit Newcastle, Hotel Indigo, a new luxury boutique hotel, opens in Fenkle Street in June. It will be home to Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill, representing the revered Yorkshire chef’s first foray into the region. 

Close the Coalhouse Door

Close the Coalhouse Door


13 April-5 May

Samuel West directs Northern Stage’s revival of Alan Plater’s musical play. First performed in Newcastle in 1968, it charts the major strikes, victories and disappointments in British mining history since 1831. The music, by Alex Glasgow, is inspired by north-eastern folk songs of each period, and is performed by highly skilled musicians. northernstage.co.uk

Derren Brown: Svengali

Derren Brown: Svengali

7-12 May

The “psychological illusionist” brings his latest show to the Theatre Royal. It’s a mix of magic, suggestion, misdirection and showmanship, which combine to seemingly predict and control human behaviour. theatreroyal.co.uk

Family Matters: The Family in Art

Family Matters: The Family in Art

19 May-2 September

This exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery shows how the British family has been portrayed through the centuries by a wide range of artists, including Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, David Hockney and Paula Rego. twmuseums.org.uk/laing

 

5 things to see and do in Newcastle

5 things to see and do in Newcastle

  1. Seven Stories

    A Squash and a Squeeze (until 13 February, 2013) at the National Centre for Children’s Books is a brand new exhibition of Julia Donaldson’s captivating children’s stories. It reveals how she wrote modern classics such as The Gruffalo, Princess Mirror-Belle and The Troll, and explores the original artwork created by her many illustrators, most famously Axel Scheffler.

  2. Angel of the North

    Antony Gormley’s 1998 rust-red sculpture is hard to miss as you approach Newcastle on the East Coast mainline. Rising 20m from its hilltop mound, with giant wings spanning 54m, it is made from 200 tonnes of steel. Get close to the heavenly artwork by taking the unique Angel Bus (Go North East services 21 & 22) from Eldon Square bus station in Newcastle, or from Gateshead Interchange.

  3. Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

    Take the Metro to Sunderland and a short walk away is this inspiring visitor attraction. You’ll find fine art exhibitions, including a collection of LS Lowry paintings, an interactive history of the city from its prehistoric past to the present, and sense-stimulating gardens boasting over 2,000 flowers and plants. There are also special events, such as Amazing Owls! (1-15 April), where you can come face-to-face with these beautiful birds of prey.

  4. Shipley Art Gallery

    A fantastic selection of art, craft and design is on show at this family-friendly gallery, which includes William Irving’s painting The Blaydon Races and a superb collection of 20th-century ceramics amassed by Henry Rothschild. It also has one of the best contemporary craft collections outside London, including works in wood, metal and glass, as well as textiles and furniture.

  5. Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum

    Dubbed the gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, this excavated fort includes a large interactive museum and a 35m-high viewing tower providing outstanding views across the World Heritage Site. The attraction is a three-minute walk from Wallsend Metro, which is easily reached from Newcastle’s Monument Metro station.

Near the station

Pretty Green, 124 Grainger Street, NE1 5AF

Pretty Green, 124 Grainger Street, NE1 5AF

Liam Gallagher’s men’s clothing range consists of Green Label - a casual selection of polo shirts, parkas, knitware; Black Label - a more classically tailored line, and a capsule collection designed by Paul Weller.

Grainger Market, Grainger Street, NE1 5QQ

Grainger Market, Grainger Street, NE1 5QQ

The city’s largest traditional market, housed in a classically styled building, sells mainly meat and vegetables, with a good selection of game. It’s also home to the Marks and Spencer Original Penny Bazaar, the world’s smallest M&S.

Attica Vintage, 2 Old George Yard, NE1 1EZ

Attica Vintage, 2 Old George Yard, NE1 1EZ

Fabulous vintage finds from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s - not just clothing but original furniture and décor - are squirreled away in a treasure trove of a store housed in a converted stable. A real treat for lovers of retro.

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