What’s on in Newcastle Autumn 2015
What’s on in Newcastle Northumbria was voted 3rd best for ‘City Life’ in the WhatUni student choice awards - and it’s easy to see why. The city of Newcastle is a Northern powerhouse famed for its culture, nightlife and beautiful architecture. There are no shortage of things to do, places to visit and people to see here. This article pulls together a selection of events and things to do from September to November within the city.
Culture and Arts Newcastle’s thriving cultural and arts scene is underpinned by a number of key venues, including the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, a unique exhibition space located inside a renovated flour mill. A rotating schedule of shows, exhibitions and activities make this a venue any art enthusiast wouldn’t want to miss. For street art lovers, a visit to Unit44 Gallery in the trendy Hoults Yard area should be a high priority. This industrial space showcases internationally renowned artist exhibitions and features bold murals emblazoned on the surrounding building walls. Held on the first Friday and Saturday of each month, the Boiler Shop Steamer brings together all things food, drink, music and art in the historic Boiler Shop. Here you can sample street food from some of the best vendors in Newcastle whilst listening to talented local bands and DJ’s, making for a thoroughly enjoyable event with a relaxed vibe. Also worth visiting is the weekly Quayside Sunday Market, offering original works of art, crafts and accessories, home-made and world foods, second-hand and pre-loved items, as well as an array of sugary treats including donuts, sweets, ice cream, cakes and fudge. Dates Unit44 Gallery – Check website for upcoming exhibitions Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art – check website for upcoming exhibitions Boiler Shop Steamer – every first Friday and Saturday of the month Boiler Shop Quayside Sunday Market – Every Sunday from 22nd September onwards at the Quayside.
Music Gigs With venues to suit gigs and artists of all sizes, music plays a big part in curating the atmosphere of the city. Love them or hate them, perhaps the biggest upcoming gig in the next three months is superstar boyband One Direction, who found fame and fortune on The X Factor. Join their army of fans when they play at the Metro Arena in October. From one extreme to the other, The Prodigy are also in town supporting their new album with a tour that is sure to be high-energy in every sense of the word. They are supported by US hip-hop legends Public Enemy. Speaking of hip hop, it would be rude not to mention one of the best-selling rappers in the world. American export 50 Cent brings his show to the Metro Arena for one night only. Other gigs spanning the next three months include veteran Mod Paul Weller, indie band The View, Fuse ODG, Will Young and Florence and the Machine. However, it would be silly not to also experience local and newer artists making a name for themselves in the city. You can find up-and-coming talent playing gigs across the city in many of the pubs, clubs and event spaces it offers. Catch established local rockers Maximo Park in action at the City Hall on 19th November. Dates The View – 17th September @ 02 Academy One Direction – 25th & 26th October @ Metro Radio Arena 50 Cent - 7th November @ Metro Radio Arena Will Young - 11th November @ City Hall Fuse ODG – 17th November @ O2 Academy Maximo Park - 19th November @ City Hall Paul Weller – 25th November @ Metro Radio Arena The Prodigy with Public Enemy – 26th November @ Metro Radio Arena
Comedy The city has been long established as a go-to destination for comedy heavyweights taking their live show across the UK. Whilst you can find weekly local acts peppered around the city in venues such as The Stand Comedy club, larger concert halls such as Newcastle City Hall and the Metro Radio Arena attract major crowds for the headline acts. The next three months see Alan Carr bring his brand new ‘Yap, Yap, Yap’ live show to the City hall on 2nd October. Remarkably blunt Scotsman Kevin Bridges will also be appearing at the City Hall, with the energetic Michael McIntyre bringing his show to the 11,000 capacity Metro Arena the following month. When he’s not hosting 8 out of 10 Cats you can also catch Jimmy Carr in Newcastle on 2nd October at the City Hall. Frankie Boyle will also be trying out new (and most likely highly controversial) material at The Stand on a number of dates. Dates Frankie Boyle - 14th & 15th September @ The Stand Jimmy Carr - 2nd October @ City Hall Alan Carr - 22nd & 23rd October @ City Hall Kevin Bridges - 28th & 29th October @ City Hall Michael McIntyre - 27th & 28th November @ Metro Arena
Clubbing Calendar Newcastle’s clubs play host to some of the best global DJ’s in the world alongside cutting-edge fresh new talent across an array of tasteful venues. Lovers of all things house, techno and disco will be in for a treat over the next few months, with a number of line ups announced. Home-grown Geordie Patrick Topping takes to the decks with Eats Everything on 18th September at muchloved super club Digital. This club has numerous accolades, including an 11th best club in the world ranking from DJMag, so make sure you check out one of their weekly nights or special one-off parties such as this. Cosmic Ballroom also boasts a strong line up of visiting DJ’s including Bicep, Paul Woolford and Leon Vynehall announced. Alternatively, inject some funk and disco into your life at World Headquarters, where the legendary Horse Meat Disco will be playing on 10th October. Don’t forget electronic music pioneers Leftfield will also be playing the NU student union in October! Dates Patrick Topping B2B Eats Everything - 18th September @ Digital Paul Woolford - 25th September @ Cosmic Ballroom Julio Bashmore - 2nd October @ Digital Horse Meat Disco – 10th October @ World Headquarters Leftfield - 17th October @ NU Student Union BICEP - 30th October @ Cosmic ballroom By no means is this list a definitive guide, however it should give you an idea of the scale, depth, and variety of things to do in the region. There is no doubt that this guide will not have captured everything and there will be many other exciting things to do that have been missed. So get out there and explore the region and find out what’s on for yourself; there will always be something for you in Newcastle.