NewcastleGateshead: 2014 listings
Anniversaries
- Sage Gateshead’s 10th Anniversary (17 December 2014)
- Gateshead International Jazz Festival’s 10th Anniversary (04-06 April 2014)
Developments
Completion/Opening of Monument Mall
Monument Mall has undergone a £15 million redevelopment to provide an additional
14,000ft2 of retail space, featuring double height shop fronts for the first time. The newly
designed scheme includes eight new stores on Blackett Street and two major units on
Northumberland Street. Hugo Boss, The White Company and Fat Face are the latest
signings - joining Reiss, Jack Wills and Jamie Oliver as well as flagship TK Maxx. Some
stores are open from November 2013, with remainder opening in 2014.
Tyneside Cinema Development
Tyneside Cinema is to undergo a £1.3m expansion which will usher in a new concept in film
viewing for the North East. Work will begin in January 2014 transforming the adjacent empty
building on Pilgrim Street into the cinema’s new bar and restaurant, with kitchens in the
basement. Part of the premises will become a cabaret-style cinema space with tables,
armchairs and a bar, where audiences can have a drink and watch movies and a range of
other material including live-streamed theatre and opera productions (projected opening
summer 2014).
Crowne Plaza Hotel Development
North East developer Silverlink is building a £55m 251-bed, four-star Intercontinental Hotels
Group, Crowne Plaza Hotel in the Stephenson Quarter, next to Newcastle's Central Station.
Development will be carried out throughout 2014 (projected opening July 2015).
New & Noteworthy in 2014
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Body Worlds Exhibition at Life Science Centre (17 May – 02 November 2014)
Newcastle Triathlon (19 July 2014)
Home Front Project at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (commemorating WW1)
AV Festival returns (biannual) (01 – 31 March 2014)
First World War Centenary
Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Home Front Project
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
In commemoration of the centenary of the First World War in 2014, exhibitions, events,
learning and community projects are planned in several museums and galleries across
Tyne and Wear, and are designed to allow audiences and participants to explore the local
impact of the war on the people and places of the North East.
Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums will be delivering the project in partnership with
Sunderland Museums and Heritage, who manage Sunderland Museum and Winter
Gardens. The home front centenary commemorations will take place at the Laing Art
Gallery and Discovery Museum in Newcastle; South Shields Museum & Art Gallery; Tyne &
Wear Archives; Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend; Sunderland Museum & Winter
Gardens; and Newcastle University’s Hatton Gallery. www.twmuseums.org.uk
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War Art Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle: 10 May 2014 – 19 October 2014
WW1 Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend: 31 July 2014 – 26 April 2015
Screaming Steel Hatton Art Gallery, Newcastle: 19 September 2014 – 31
January 2015
WW1 Discovery Museum, Newcastle: 25 October 2014 – 28 June 2015
Local Heroes South Shields Museum & Art Gallery: February 2015 – May
2015
Home Defence Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden: March 2015 – Jun
2015
February
Chinese New Year
Newcastle City Centre
09 February 2014
Kung Hey Fat Choi! Join the celebrations in and around Newcastle’s Stowell Street as we
usher in the Year of the Horse with Chinese-inspired events, performances and activities for
all the family, marking Chinese New Year. Enjoy traditional crafts, dance, martial arts, food
and drink, games and much more with a vibrant and colourful party. Watch the spectacular
dragon, lion and unicorn dances under the ornate Ceremonial Arch.
www.newcastlegateshead.com/chinese-new-year
March
AV Festival
01 – 31 March 2014
AV Festival is an international festival of contemporary art, music and film, taking place
across North East England every two years. It includes new commissions, exhibitions,
screenings and concerts, and each edition is thematically curated to engage audiences with
current ideas across artistic practice and wider society. www.avfestival.co.uk
April
Gateshead International Jazz Festival
Sage Gateshead
04 – 06 April 2014
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the UK’s largest Jazz festival under one roof returns to
Sage Gateshead in 2014 bringing jazz from across the globe. Filling every corner of the
building over three days, this year’s highlights include GRAMMY award winning Esperanza
Spalding – one of hailed by the New York Times as ‘one of the greatest musicians in jazz
history’. Together with GRAMMY award winning saxophone giant Joe
Lovano, GRAMMY winner Jack DeJohnette and Argentinean pianist Leo Genovese they
form something of a jazz super group, The Spring Quartet. www.sagegateshead.com
Maker Faire
Centre for Life, Newcastle
26 – 27 April 2014
The world-famous MAKER FAIRE returns to the UK for a weekend of robots, garden shed
inventions, the occasional fireball and lots more. 300 makers will present their interactive
projects alongside playful performances, installations and workshops.
www.makerfaireuk.com
GIFT: Gateshead International Festival of Theatre
Various locations across Gateshead
Dates TBC
GIFT returns to once again bring together new theatre makers from around the world for an
explosive weekend of performances, workshops and discussions. Events will take place
inside and outside of venues in and around Gateshead town centre including Gateshead
Old Town Hall and St. Mary’s Heritage Centre to offer an immediate cultural and creative
response to the re-development of the area. www.giftfestival.co.uk
May
NE1’s Newcastle Fashion Week
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
Dates TBC
Celebrating all that’s great about Newcastle’s fashion scene from high street, designers,
vintage and independents all brought together during one week in May. Kicking off with a 2
day fashion spectacular which is not to be missed, NE1 will take over Northumbria
University’s Student Union for Newcastle’s answer to the Clothes Show Live. Central to
NE1’s Newcastle Fashion Week is the Northumbria University Graduate Fashion Show
which this year will again take place at its adopted home, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary
Art. www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/nfw
Evolution Festival
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
Dates TBC
Having hosted the likes of Tinie Tempah and Plan B, Evolution is now firmly established as
one of the key events in the national calendar, opening the annual summer music festival
season. Described by Clash Magazine as 'the UKs model City Festival', Evolution takes
place on the banks of the River Tyne on the iconic NewcastleGateshead Quayside.
www.evolutionfestival.co.uk
The Late Shows
Various venues across NewcastleGateshead
16 – 17 May 2014
The Late Shows is an inspiring, after dark programme of events and exhibitions centering
on the cultural venues in NewcastleGateshead that are usually closed in the evening.
Museums, galleries and visitor attractions stay up late to encourage people to do something
cultural with their evening – in celebration of the international event ‘Museums at Night’.
www.thelateshows.org.uk
BODY WORLDS: The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies
Life Science Centre, Newcastle
17 May – 02 November 2014
BODY WORLDS celebrates the potential of the human body and the body in motion. The
display in Newcastle is one of a series of first-of-their-kind exhibitions, through which visitors
learn about anatomy, physiology, and health of the human body, preserved through a
fascinating process called plastination. The exhibition features a unique collection of
authentic human plastinated specimens, including whole bodies, individual organs and
transparent body slices. To date, more than 38 million people around the world have viewed
the BODY WORLDS exhibitions. www.life.org.uk
June
¡VAMOS! Festival
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
06 – 22 June 2014
¡VAMOS! is a festival that celebrates Spanish and Portuguese speaking cultures in
NewcastleGateshead, combining cuisine, art, film, theatre, dance, music, literature, fashion,
sport and education. It offers an international festival appealing to artists, partners and
mainstream audiences that is unconstrained by art form, age-group or regional location.
www.vamosfestival.com
Virgin Money Cyclone
Various Locations across North East England
20 June 2014
The Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling was created in 2007 to encourage as many
people as possible to get out on their bikes, get fitter and enjoy the countryside. It is a multi
faceted event designed to cater for the needs of competitive and none competitive cyclists.
www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk
July
Great North 10K
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
13 July 2014
Attracting thousands of runners every year, the Bupa Great North 10k is the North East’s
biggest 10K running event, and an exciting addition to the Great Run series of events, not to
mention the perfect warm-up for the Bupa Great North Run later in the year. Starting at
Gateshead International Stadium, the route takes in the fantastic sights of the
NewcastleGateshead Quayside including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Sage
Gateshead and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. www.greatrun.org
Newcastle Triathlon
Newcastle Quayside
19 July 2014
The Newcastle Triathlon is an exciting new event unfolding in July 2014 against the
backdrop of the destination’s iconic architecture including the Tyne Bridge, Gateshead
Millennium Bridge and Sage Gateshead. Thousands from all over the UK and further afield
will descend on the fabulous quayside for the first edition of the event, brought to the
destination by VO2 Max Racing Events, supported by Triathlon England and Newcastle City
Council, and will see athletes of all abilities cheered on to a grand finish and well-deserved
medal by the gathered crowds. A Saturday schedule enables everyone to enjoy an exciting
day of sport then keep the party going into the small hours by enjoying the city's vibrant
night-life. www.thenewcastletriathlon.co.uk
SkyRide Newcastle
NewcastleGateshead Quayside
26 July 2014
Join us for a fantastic traffic-free bike ride in NewcastleGateshead this July. Sky Ride
NewcastleGateshead is a great opportunity to ride with family and friends in the city centre
this summer. There’ll be loads of free things for the whole family to do on the day, so get
your bikes ready and come and join us! www.goskyride.com/newcastle
August
EAT! NewcastleGateshead 2014
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
08 – 17 August 2014
NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s acclaimed festival of adventures in food, EAT!
NewcastleGateshead, returns for an eighth year in 2014. Championing local food
producers, restaurants and culinary talent in NewcastleGateshead and North East England,
its eclectic and imaginative events programme helps people to see food in a brand new
way. Tasty favourites including The Big EAT! Weekend will be served up once again, with a
second helping set to tantalise food lovers in February 2015.
www.eatnewcastlegateshead.com
September
Great North Run Weekend and Great City Games
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
07 September 2014
The most high profile half marathon in the world returns in 2014, it’s spectator-lined course
once again covering 13.1 miles from Newcastle, across the iconic Tyne Bridge and onto the
picturesque coastal finish in South Shields. A series of professional and junior athletics
activities on the Saturday of the Great North Run weekend has been developed over the
last few years, using NewcastleGateshead Quaysides as a 'virtual arena'. This year is a
particularly momentous one for the Great North Run, as it welcomes its millionth runner.
www.greatrun.org
Heritage Open Days
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
Dates TBC
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free
access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.
Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open
their doors. It is a once-a-year chance to discover architectural treasures and enjoy a wide
range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life.
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
October
Juice Festival 2014
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
24 October – 02 November 2014
NewcastleGateshead’s award-winning festival for children, young people and their families
returns for its eighth year this October half term. The 10-day festival showcases outstanding
work created by children and young people as well as a family friendly programme delivered
by regional, national and international artists. www.juicefestival.co.uk
BBC Free Thinking Festival
Sage Gateshead
Dates TBC
BBC Radio 3 brings together leading thinkers for a weekend of provocative debate,
stimulating conversation, new ideas, music and performance, with a number of eminent
speakers including leading broadcasters, artists, scientists and writers.
www.sagegateshead.com
November
Skating @ Life
Times Square
Dates TBC
For a fun and festive break from Christmas shopping, look no further than Skating @ Life
and the outdoor ice rink in Times Square. After enjoying a skate, visitors can warm up with a
delicious hot chocolate, meal or snack in the Times Square Cafe. www.life.org.uk
Newcastle International Market
Central Newcastle
Dates TBC
Shoppers are treated to Currywurst from Germany, waffles from Holland, paella from Spain
and crepes from France, plus local ales, jams and handmade chocolates.
www.newcastle.gov.uk
Ouseburn Open Studios
Various venues within Ouseburn Valley
Dates TBC
Ouseburn Open Studios sees the destination’s most creative venues open their doors to the
public, offering a unique chance to glimpse the working world of over 200 artists and
designer-makers. There’s a huge variety of affordable and original work to buy, from
paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, furniture, prints, and much more, and visitors can
enjoy live music, delicious food and interactive workshops whilst stocking up on some truly
unique Christmas gifts. www.ouseburnopenstudios.org
December
Newcastle Christmas Market
Central Newcastle
Dates TBC
Shoppers are treated to festive themed local food and drink, as well as opportunities to buy
handmade Christmas gifts and decorations, chocolates and festive hampers.
www.newcastle.gov.uk
NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival: Enchanted Parks
Saltwell Park, Gateshead
Dates TBC
The award-winning Enchanted Parks transforms Saltwell Park in Gateshead after dark with
innovative and atmospheric creations using visual art installations, light, sound and
performance on a large and small scale. www.NewcastleGateshead.com/winterfestival
NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival: NYE Winter Carnival and Midnight Fireworks
Central Newcastle
31 December 2014
New Year’s Eve always signals a time to celebrate, and NewcastleGateshead presents one
of the biggest events across the country in the New Year’s Eve Winter Carnival. For night
owls staying in town to celebrate the stroke of midnight in restaurants, bars and attractions
along the quayside, don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Midnight Fireworks, the perfect end to
the New Year’s Eve festivities. www.NewcastleGateshead.com/winterfestival
ENDS
Why 'NewcastleGateshead'?
You may wonder why the destination is described as NewcastleGateshead...
Newcastle (a city on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (a town on the south
bank of the River Tyne) have been transformed into a single cultural and cosmopolitan visitor
destination: NewcastleGateshead (think Buda Pest). The two places are closely linked - by 7
bridges across the river – and visitor attractions and events can be found on both sides.
Visitors to the area are drawn to sample attractions, galleries, live performances, sporting
events, museums, restaurants, hotels and much more in both Newcastle and Gateshead - with
easy pedestrian access from one to the other in a matter of minutes via the Gateshead
Millennium Bridge.
Three of the area's most high profile contemporary attractions (BALTIC Centre for
Contemporary Art, international music centre The Sage Gateshead and world famous public
art the Angel of the North) are all in Gateshead, whilst Newcastle brings a wealth of history and
heritage (along with its world-class contemporary developments), plus an incredible choice of
cosmopolitan nightlife, to the successful partnership: NewcastleGateshead.
www.NewcastleGateshead.com