NE1 Get Into Newcastle Issue 216

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ISS.216 10 MARCH - 23 MARCH 2022

Get into

Newcastle YOUR FREE FORTNIGHTLY GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN NE1

FENWICK CELEBRATES 140 YEARS Newcastle's beloved Fenwick will celebrate 140 glorious years in the city centre! Turn to page 10 for our lowdown on this North East icon...

PADDY'S DAY PARTY TIME

Prepare to paint the Toon green as the St. Patrick's Day celebrations return to the city centre. Flick to page 8 for our guide on all the fun stuff!

A TASTE OF SPRING

From delicious new menus, to ravishing refurbs and unmissable foodie events, a scrumptious taste of spring has arrived in Newcastle...

The Lindisfarne Gospels 17 September – 3 December 2022 See the spectacular Anglo-Saxon manuscript and explore what it means in today’s world Tickets released 10am, 20 March

In partnership with:

Headline sponsor:

Laingartgallery.org.uk Admission charge applies New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AG

Monument

Image: (Crop) Carpet page for Gospel of John, Lindisfarne Gospels, c. 700 (Cotton MS Nero D IV) (c) British Library Board

Supported by:

Sponsored by:

GET INTO NEWCASTLE CONTENTS

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Food & Drink

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Art & Culture

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Music & Nightlife

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Family Fun

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Shopping

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/GetIntoNewcastle

FRESH FROM THE PRESS

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If you wish to submit a listing for inclusion please email: listings@ne1magazine.co.uk For advertising call 0191 500 7865 or email: debi@allies-group.com Get into Newcastle is published by Allies Group Ltd

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Allies Group Ltd, Enterprise House, Kingsway, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 0SR allies-group.com

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Publisher Christopher March chris@allies-group.com Editorial Matthew Thomas matthew@allies-group.com Johnathan Ramsay johnathan@allies-group.com Advertising Debi Coldwell debi@allies-group.com Design David Stubbs dave@allies-group.com Euan Underwood euan@allies-group.com Image credit: vecteezy.com All contents copyright ©2022 Allies Group Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused.

No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All content marked 'profile feature' is paid for advertising. All information is correct at time of going to print, March 2022.

EACH ISSUE WE USUALLY WELCOME YOU TO THE MAGAZINE WITH AN INTRODUCTION FROM A MEMBER OF THE NE1 TEAM BUT WITH THE HUGE PADDY FEST TAKING OVER TIMES SQUARE THIS ISSUE WE THOUGHT IT BEST TO ASK ORGANISER, MIKE HESKETH, TO INTRODUCE YOU TO ANOTHER MIGHTY NE1 MAGAZINE. TAKE IT AWAY MIKE!

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Two years ago we were waiting the news from Boris as to whether Paddy Fest would be able to go ahead, or the pandemic lockdowns would begin…

Thankfully for the sake of the event he gave the country one more week and the event went ahead and was probably the last of its kind in the area for at least a year. So, to be bringing Paddy Fest back to Times Square for its fourth year, albeit a year later than expected, is great news and I cannot wait to see the thousands of jovial folk descend once again for a weekend of “craic”.

Ironically one of the first events out of lockdown last summer was Central Park, which was also at the Life Centre, and was embraced by over 100,000 people, with amazing moments from the Eurovision finals, to the all English Champions league Final, and obviously England’s Euros fanzone. To be revealing our plans for 2022 for Central Park which is set to be my biggest project to date is a huge honour, and I’m thrilled to reveal our new and improved multilevel entertainment space in this NE1 magazine, and really hope you are as excited as I am! Tickets are on sale for Paddy Fest at PaddyFest.co.uk and for advanced information and the chance to win a VIP package at Central Park head to CentralParkNewcastle.co.uk.

MIKE HESKETH TWO TRIBES LTD / MISHMASH EVENTS

ISSN 2516-7839

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I’M THRILLED TO REVEAL OUR NEW AND IMPROVED MULTI-LEVEL ENTERTAINMENT SPACE

More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 3

AROUND THE CITY

Our pick of 10 unmissable highlights arriving in the city this March!

The coming weeks...

1 TIMES SQUARE

Paddy Fest Weekender 16 - 19 March Yeeees! Newcastle's beloved Paddy Fest Weekender is returning once again this March for a wild celebration of all things Irish! One of the liveliest events in the Toon’s social calendar, previous years have seen a staggering 4,000 people dance their way over to Times Square for a weekend of festivities inside a huge Oktoberfest-style tent! Back for 2022, you can be sure that Paddy’s Day will be turned up to the max with wild celebrations, electric live music and daft crowd games! paddyfest.co.uk

5 Wylam Brewery

15 March Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sensational night of hardhitting tunes with musical phenomenon and Glastonbury star, Stormzy!

Renowned for his pioneering music, energetic live performances and incredible stage presence, catch the Croydon MC live in the Toon s he celebrates his epic second album, Heavy Is The Head, with a monumental performance in NE1! utilitaarena.co.uk

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St. James' Park

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CHVRCHES

15 March Hitting the road with their brand new album Screen Violence, chart-topping electro-indie trio, CHVRCHES, will be rocking their way into the O2 City Hall Newcastle this March for what promises to be a spectacular night of world-class tunes. Expect new bangers and classic hits from this critically acclaimed pop group! academymusicgroup.com

4 Tyne Theatre and

Opera House

4 TYNE THEATRE AND OPERA HOUSE

The Smartest Giant in Town

14 - 15 March Our friends at Tyne Theatre and Opera House have a lush family tale taking to the stage this season! The Smartest Giant in Town is a wonderful puppet production that follows the wild story of George and his newfound friends who just happen to be wild animals! This musical adaptation of the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a real heart-warmer, so make sure you catch this production live. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

5 WYLAM BREWERY

The London African Gospel Choir present ‘Marley’ 12 March Settle in for an evening of sparkling song and dance at Wylam Brewery this March, as The London African Gospel Choir returns to the North East to play Bob Marley’s iconic tracks and redemption tunes in full! Featuring a 17-member ensemble, this colourful, uplifting production complete with incredible musicians will be delivering Bob’s world-renowned music from start to finish, and we can’t wait to watch! wylambrewery.co.uk

4 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

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AROUND THE CITY

at a glance 6 UTILITA ARENA

The Northern Wedding Show

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19 - 20 March Here comes the bride! The Northern Wedding Show is back in action this spring as, the region's biggest wedding weekender takes over the Utilita Arena for a stunning showcase of the most luxurious wedding items! Be inspired by catwalk shows, plan your dream honeymoon with your partner and have the chance to chat with 100s of exhibitors as you kickstart the all-important planning process! utilitaarena.co.uk

Northern Stage

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AFTER DARK FESTIVAL

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18 - 20 March Ooh, nice! BBC Radio 3 are bringing a brand new, all-night music festival to the city that'll celebrate the sparkling creativity emerging from the North East! Taking place at the Sage and along the river Tyne from 18 - 20 March to coincide with the spring equinox, After Dark will run from dusk to dawn and feature a wide range of world-class talents such as Jasdeep Singh Degun, Ian Macmillan and DJ Iceboy Violet as well as a range of enthralling pop-up performances and impromptu sets. Book your tickets now! sagegateshead.com/afterdark

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20 March The Toon go marching on! The world's greatest team are back in action, taking on Patrick Vieira's plucky Palace side in what's shaping up to be a cracker! With Joelinton now a firm favourite for the Ballon d'Or and Eddie Howe's boys rising up the Premier League in style, expect an electric atmosphere as the Toon continue their great escape... nufc.co.uk

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How To Save The Planet When You’re A Young Carer And Broke 18 March Lavisha has 99 problems but climate change ain’t one, as you’ll soon find out in Northern’s Stage brand new production, How To Save The Planet When You’re A Young Carer And Broke! Written by award-winning screenwriter, Nessah Muthy, this uplifting stage show peeks into the life of a young working-class carer having to make decisions between life-saving responsibilities at home and being dedicated to saving the planet. Expect a refreshingly loud solo show from rising star, Elizabeth Ayodele! northernstage.co.uk

Animal Earth

Throughout March Attention! Life Science Centre have a brand spanking new immersive exhibition for us to dive into this spring! From thrilling experiments and live shows to space adventures and exciting activities, Animal Earth is a spectacular one-stop shop to explore the wonder of animals found across Earth. Guaranteed fun for both young and old, head here this March to discover how kangaroos keep cool in the desert, build a bug hotel and experiment with a ‘blubber glove’! life.org.uk

More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 5

NEW IN NE1

Word on the street INSPIRING INSIGHTS AND EXCLUSIVE NEWS FROM ACROSS THE TOON THIS FORTNIGHT...

NE1'S QUAYSIDE PROJECT HOSTS INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ARCHITECTS

NE1 were delighted to welcome internationally-renowned place-makers Gehl to Newcastle last month, for a full day of interactive workshops on the future of Newcastle’s iconic Quayside! The day, led by award-winning local architects and facilitated by Gehl, was part of the ongoing process to develop an ambitious vision for the area in the coming years, and incorporated feedback from local residents, businesses, and visitors to the city. Gehl are widely recognised worldwide for their work in major cities and we were delighted to connect these global leaders with some of the incredibly talented and knowledgeable architecture firms we have here in the city, with the two combining to drive forward plans to transform the area. From leisure to sustainability, culture to mobility, a number of themes were explored across the day as we seek to make the Quayside one of the world’s best urban waterfronts. We can’t wait to share ideas and inspiration with you all in the next phase of the project! To read more about the process and details on what’s next, head over to the getintonewcastle.co.uk

THE CONTINENTAL HAS REOPENED!

Wondering what the folks over at The Continental have been up to recently?

Well, they’ve been hard at work revamping their lush haunt, adding live music events and developing an exciting signature menu that’s teeming with original cocktails, a delicious new wine list and a few unique craft beers to boot! Now open for the first time in over 2 years, the team are celebrating their return to action by offering the Toon the chance to sample these delightful creations in a wonderful new deal. Get yourselves over to Collingwood Street, bag a booth and dive into two cocktails for a cool £15. Bargain! thecontinental.co.uk

LOOSEFEST ANNOUNCE A SPECTACULAR SUMMERTIME FESTIVAL ON THE TOWN MOOR!

Festival season is on the horizon and the team at Loosefest have pulled it out of the bag with a huge new festival for the ages! Shaping up to be one of the region's biggest dance festivals, Loosefest is touching down at the Town Moor on 30 and 31 July this year as 60,000 dance-mad festival-goers descend on the city for one unforgettable weekend! It’s set to be a fabulous shindig, packed full of world-class performers, fairground rides and delicious street food - so fire up the group chats, red circle the last weekend in July and keep your eyes peeled for the full line-up dropping soon via the link. Get in! loosefest.com

6 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

MICHELIN GUIDE SUCCESS FOR KHAI KHAI! Newcastle’s foodie scene is flourishing! Having just bagged a silver award for their brand identity from the prestigious World Design Branding Society, Khai Khai decided to go one better by making it into the 2022 Michelin Guide!

This beautiful eatery over on Queen Street is big on authentic, seasonal and sustainable Indian cuisine and has made quite the impression since arriving in the city, and now features in this highly-coveted guide to the finest restaurants across the globe too. A wonderful spot to sample lip-smackingly good morsels, wander down and taste the talk of the Toon this March! facebook.com/khaikhaincl

JUNGLE JACK’S IS BACK IN ACTION!

Music to parents’ ears! We’re buzzing to hear Eldon Square’s beloved Jungle Jack’s Adventure Soft Play Area has reopened with a brand new look! A revered place among little ones where ball-pit shenanigans occur, Amazonian adventures begin and cheeky monkeys cause havoc, Jungle Jack’s is back - open from 10am - 5pm seven days a week. Head here with your tribe and kick back with a fresh coffee and lush snacks in their cosy cafe while the kids go wild. eldonsquare.co.uk

A BRAND NEW MICROPUB HAS OPENED UP ON FORTH BANKS!

The Toon has welcomed a super cool new micropub to its craft beer ranks! Mosaic Tap has transformed Arch 7 on Forth Banks into a brand new craft ale heaven and it looks amazing! A former coffee shop, owner and local lad, Isaac Vernon has created a modern micropub that’s complete with its own bottle shop and will have plenty of seating for over 30 thirsty patrons! With other indie businesses nearby such as as Beer Street and Errant Brewery (some of the leading lights in Newcastle’s railway arch community), we’re buzzing to see that a cool new craft beer community is beginning to form behind Central Station.

NEW IN NE1

ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, CLEAN!

Keep Britain Tidy’s national campaign, the Great British Spring Clean, is back for its seventh year and NE1 are getting right behind it, and calling on Newcastle’s businesses to back the brilliant initiative.

Taking place from 25 March to 10 April, NE1 will be running a series of city-wide events with businesses to help them get involved in some good clean fun this spring, and to make sure Newcastle is looking its best as summer rolls into view. We’re encouraging businesses to get involved, and to tell us what the priorities across the city are, so get in touch, volunteer, bring the team, and brush up that beloved bit of the city that’s in need of a bit of TLC, every little, helps! www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/great-british-spring-clean

INTRODUCING TSUJIRI NEWCASTLE! An exciting Japanese dessert parlour has just opened up on the streets of NE1! Situated on St. Andrew’s Street, TSUJIRI Newcastle is a beautiful new dining establishment that specialises in matcha lattes, traditional Japanese ice cream and lush cakes! Brimming with the likes of Houjicha Basque Cheesecake, uji matcha nama jelly (a must-try, it’s divine!) and idyllic Sesame castle ice cream sundaes, it’s another stunning spot to munch on fabulous treats bursting with vivid flavours come your lunch break. Pop by next time you’re in Toon! facebook.com/tsujirinewcastle

MORE TIME TO ENJOY NEURON E-SCOOTERS

Nice! Those who haven’t had the chance to ride the orange Neuron e-scooters yet are in luck, as our friends at Newcastle City Council have recently announced that these nifty machines are staying around following an extended trial period. Did you know, since the launch of the trial in February 2021, people have travelled over 500,000 miles on a Neuron e-scooter in Newcastle alone, with around a third of those trips replacing car journeys! The e-scooters have had a major impact on the local economy, with 55 per cent of riders making a purchase in a local business as part of their most recent journey! A fab way to explore every corner of our beautiful city, they can be found at various locations across Newcastle! rideneuron.com

A NEW COFFEE HUB IS OPENING AT MONUMENT

Word reaches our ears that Gloria Jean’s Coffee will be opening a brand spanking new coffee shop opposite the Monument in the coming weeks! With builders and decorators busy creating a glorious new space, Gloria Jean’s Coffee is set to delight flat white connoisseurs and espresso experts with their artisan blend of hot drinks, refreshing raspberry fruit chillers and speciality coffee concoctions. We can’t wait to welcome another fab business to the city centre, a lush spot to grab a drink and watch the world go by! gloriajeans.com

CENTRAL PARK ANNOUNCE MEGA PLANS FOR TIMES SQUARE!

Game-changing news for the city folks! Our friends at Central Park have just announced that they will be returning to Times Square with a monumental multi-storey venue this year! Opening on 14 April and running until 21 August, Central Park is returning to the city with a raft of mega additions such as a new rooftop bar, a delightful food court with lush street food venues, sports bars, a beach-style hangout with a VIP roof terrace (oooh!), luxury toilet facilities and a brand new performance stage! That’s not all! On top of all that, organisers have revealed that an expanded programme of events such as a Eurovision watch-along party, Kroud Karaoke, Let’s Play Darts, the FA Cup Final, Wimbledon, Royal Ascot and much more will also be shown on the venue’s huge 4k LED screen. Now capable of welcoming a whopping 2000 revellers to the city centre, we can't wait to be dolled up, cocktail in hand, as we live it up with loved ones as all the action unfolds on stage. Summer 2022 is shaping up to be a scorcher! centralparknewcastle.co.uk

NE1 CAN INSPIRE OVER 200 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH INSIGHTFUL DAY AT NEWCASTLE COLLEGE!

This month NE1 CAN, NE1’s unique careers insight and inspiration programme, ran a day of Inspiration for over 200 young people from across the North East. The event brought together entrepreneurs and business owners from across the region, helping to encourage the next generation of Alan Sugars and Sara Davies’. Held at Newcastle College, the day gave young people the opportunity to learn about setting up and running their own business, and the funding which is available, showcasing just how realistic starting your own business is for those with budding ideas. With so many inspiring 15–19-year-olds in one place, the team can’t wait to hear about the first business success story!

SAY HELLO TO SOJU AND GOGI EXPRESS!

Huge news foodie fans! Soju and Gogi, the Korean BBQ masters with a wonderful restaurant over on Dean Street, have expanded their delicious offering by opening a brand new pop-up shop in the bustling Grainger Market!

Another wonderful foodie addition to this thriving hub of independents, head to Soju and Gogi Express to devour delicious Asian street-food morsels such as Korean corn dogs, traditional fried chicken dishes and weekly specials such as the ‘potato storm’ - sounds intriguing! Congrats team, we’ll be along shortly for a lunchtime feast! facebook.com/sojuandgogi

LINES BEHIND TO CREATE GREAT NORTH RUN FINISHERS T-SHIRT Remember our front cover star for our summer 2020 issue, Issue 192, James Dixon a.k.a Lines Behind? You know, the wonderful local artist who’s behind some of the region’s biggest art installations? Well, he’s taking another huge project in his stride this year, as James has recently revealed that he’ll be designing this year’s Great North Run finishers' t-shirt! James has revealed that he’s planning to include a wide range of Geordie landmarks into his design, as well as paying homage to Newcastle’s unique culture. James will be unveiling his design over the coming weeks and we can’t wait to see his finished product, and wear it with pride come September!

More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 7

PADDY'S PARTY

17 MARCH

Paddy’s Day party time!

IT’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST PARTY DAYS OF THE YEAR! ST. PATRICK’S DAY IS HERE AND NEWCASTLE HAS SOME SERIOUSLY BIG CELEBRATIONS TO GET INVOLVED IN. SO, FIRE UP THE GROUP CHATS, DON YOUR BRIGHT GREEN KIT AND GET INTO THE CITY AS NEWCASTLE IS TRANSFORMED INTO A SEA OF GREEN!

PADDY FEST WEEKENDER 16 - 19 MARCH

It's the biggest celebration of Paddy’s fun in NE1, the huge four day shindig returns to Times Square with a bang this year! Starting on Wednesday 16 and running all the way through to Saturday 19, this Paddy Fest celebration is shaping up to be the best yet!

All the mega events will be taking place in the legendary 2,000 person tent, filled with huge tables for dancing, Irish tipples on tap, singing, dancing and a jolly good time for all!

Kicking off proceedings on Wednesday

is Bingo Bonanza, a mega fun take on your granny's favourite pastime that’ll have you hollering out "HOUSE" in no time. Expect big tunes, great fun and one hell of an opening party.

Next up it’s the big day itself, Thursday 17 March, and Paddy Fest is rolling out their mega Let’s Play Darts XL game!

Of course, fancy dress is compulsory for this Ally Pally meets Paddy’s Day extravaganza. Witness 30 student and pro athletes throw darts and down pints like their lives depended on it.

It’s going to be Sweet Caroline and 180’s all round, so warm up those vocal chords and get bouncing!

Friday marks the return of the

extremely popular, Kroud Karaoke!

They’re taking it up a level this time, cracking out the inflatable microphones and getting everyone together for a glorious sing-along of some anthemic party classics. Bench bouncing behaviour, screaming until you lose your voice and letting go for one massive night of fun is encouraged!

Finally, the long weekend of celebration is brought to a sweet

close with a day of Six Nations Rugby and proper Irish craic inside the huge Oktoberfest style tent! Expect live Irish bands, lush pints of Guinness on tap, DJs playing massive dance inducing tracks and tons of Guinness giveaways!

Snap up your tickets for this super Paddy Fest celebration quick, they’re flying out as quick as you can say top o' the morning. paddyfest.co.uk

THE POWER 18 MARCH

Why not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in 80s fashion, as The Power finally heads back to its spiritual home at Wylam Brewery. A night of glittery spandex, supercharged hairdos and euphoric mass sing-alongs awaits!

Time to wear your bright green clobber and dive into a mint night of 80s and 90s power ballads. This sensational shindig arrives into NE1 once again for a sublime party packed full of confetti, air guitars, and epic tunes. Whether you’re living on a prayer, going radio ga ga or saving all your love for The Power, it’s widely known that everyone leaves with no voice and their dancing shoes well and truly kicked off following the loudest Paddy’s Day shindig in town. We’ll see you on the dance floor! wylambrewery.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE call 0191 500 7865 or email debi@allies-group.com // TO SUBMIT YOUR LISTING email listings@ne1magazine.co.uk

8 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

PADDY'S PARTY

Celebrate across the city >>

THE POINTS 17 MARCH

FILTHY'S 17 MARCH

Celebrate the big day in style at one of Newcastle's most raucous Irish pubs!

Filthy’s will be hosting the ultimate day of Irish partying, they’ve got an action packed day planned with live Irish bands, DJs, pots of gold, leprechauns, giveaways and loads of confetti showers. Get the pints in, sit back and enjoy a day of proper music and proper lush drinks! filthysbar.co.uk

Fancy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in an authentic Irish pub setting? Get yourself across to The Points for a cosy seat next to the fire and some creamy Irish stout.

Immerse yourself with old Irish artefacts and idyllic framed pictures that transport you to iconic times in Ireland and New York. Enjoy some live Irish folk music and dancing alongside that warm Irish atmosphere that you just can’t get enough of! thepointsnewcastle.co.uk

TYNESIDE IRISH CENTRE 17 MARCH

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a visit to Tyneside Irish Centre!

The spiritual home of NE1’s Irish community will be holding four days of celebration this year, kicking off on the big day itself and running all the way through to Sunday. On Thursday there’s set to be live music across all three floors and partying long into the night! On Friday you can enjoy live country and Irish music courtesy of the extremely talented Liam Turner from 8pm. Saturday's festivities feature a day-long celebration of all things Irish soundtracked by brilliant Irish rock covers from Papa Lazarou Band. Sunday’s the last chance to party, with a delightful Irish supper organised by the Tyneside Irish Cultural Society seeing out the long weekend in style! tynesideirishcentre.com

NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY 17 MARCH

Northumbria University’s incredible St. Patrick’s Day party is back with a bang and shaping up to be better than ever this year. Head to the Student Union where the whole building will be taken over by all things Irish! Expect green galore, live music, DJs, games, banging drink deals, live Six Nations Rugby and loads of giveaways. And, of course, they’ve got ice cold Guinness on tap. mynsu.co.uk

BLACKFRIARS 17 MARCH

What would St. Patrick’s Day be without mouthwatering morsels? Dive into a world of traditional Irish cuisine at Blackfriars with their Paddy’s Day special evening cookery club! For generations potatoes were the main staple of Irish food, resulting in many tasty ways to use them that you’ll learn at Blackfriars.

There’s more to this delicious workshop than just potatoes though, you’ll also get stuck into dishes like seafood chowder, buttermilk oaten bread and apple brack!

After this you’ll be equipped with all the skills needed to cook up a storm of tasty traditional dishes that are just right to soak up the black stuff! blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk

BONGO’S BINGO: ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPECIAL 17 MARCH

Celebrate St Paddy’s Day with a party like no other as Bongo’s Bingo bring their travelling bingo ruckus to Boiler Shop for a special Paddy’s Day blowout!

This time, Boiler Shop will be welcoming 90s boyband, 5ive, for an exclusive show followed by rave rounds, cheesy sing-alongs, daft dance-offs, mega prizes and a wild dose of bingo descend on the Toon. These shows always sell out in record time, so don’t wait around if you want to Irish dance into the night! bongosbingo.co.uk

More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 9

RETAIL GIANT

140

1900s

glorious years of Fenwick!

A MAJOR INSTITUTION OF THE CITY'S BUSTLING SHOPPING SCENE, FENWICK NEWCASTLE FIRST OPENED ITS DOORS IN MARCH 1882 AND QUICKLY BECAME THE CITY’S ULTIMATE SHOPPING DESTINATION.

Now home to five floors of huge brands, luxury items and nine stunning eateries, join us as we take an exclusive trip behind the scenes to share with you Fenwick's glittering history and some of our favourite Christmas windows!

Ian Warby

A BELOVED NEWCASTLE INSTITUTION

Deeply ingrained in the fabric of Newcastle, it’s hard to imagine our bustling city centre without Fenwick. At the heart of our city’s buzzy shopping metropolis, Fenwick has gifted NE1 with so many wonderful family memories, whether that’s a birthday meal at Fuego, precious Christmas window moments with little ones, or an exciting Saturday shopping spree with your pals. It’s fair to say Fenwick is more than a store to many in the region.

Whilst the store remains an icon, and a historic part of the city, its continued evolution, especially over recent years, means it remains at the forefront of retail, pushing the city forward. Across its five floors Fenwick can offer brands and concessions that can’t be found anywhere else in the city, including Charlotte Tilbury and Gucci, as well as gorgeous menswear from leading high-end brands, and some of Newcastle’s most delicious eateries, there truly is something for everyone to this day.

And yet despite the huge global brands, Fenwick remains integral to the

10 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

RETAIL GIANT

1898

Fenwick’s enchanting Christmas Windows

NEWCASTLE’S FESTIVE EXPERIENCE WAS TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN 1971, AS FENWICK DEBUTED ITS FIRST ANIMATED CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAY TO THOUSANDS OF CURIOUS ONLOOKERS! NOW AN ICONIC TRADITION INGRAINED IN OUR CITY’S CHRISTMAS OFFERING, HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAYS FROM YEARS GONE BY...

1971 CAMBERWICK GREEN

The bold decision to dedicate an entire shop window to recreate kids' TV series, Camberwick Green, paid off massively for Fenwick, as thousands of families flocked to the city centre to enjoy Captain Snort, Private Feathervy and Windy Miller!

1981 ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Now a firm festive tradition for the region, Fenwick celebrated 10 years of Christmas windows with a spectacular reimagining of Lewis Caroll’s magical novel, Alice in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter was causing havoc, Cheshire Cat was being, well, Cheshire Cat and Alice was guiding us through a fabulously festive fantasy world!

1994 CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

A spectacular sight for those there to see it, 1994’s Christmas Village was an enchanting winter wonderland that captured the hearts and minds of onlookers almost as much as King Kev and the NUFC squad had that year! independent business community in the city - providing invaluable high-street space for local brands such as Dabbawal, Magpye and more recently, Dot Bagels, to flourish.

A major player that attracts people into the heart of the city centre, next time you’re in the city, go and experience this thriving store for yourself and lose yourself in a myriad of cutting-edge brands and sleek and stylish surroundings.

It’s no wonder Fenwick continues to define people’s lives in the city, here’s to the next 140 years!

STEP BACK THROUGH THE MISTS OF TIME

Let's explore Fenwick's history! In 1882, Northern businessman, John James Fenwick, arrived in the city to buy and renovate a disused doctor’s house for £181 and 4 shillings (around £23,000 in today’s money - not bad for a prime piece of NE1 real estate!) at 5 Northumberland Street. This would become his first store and the start of the Fenwick story; JJ Fenwick, Mantle Maker and Furrier - the place to visit if you were after silk goods, dresses, fabrics and decorative trimmings!

After a successful start supplying the well-dressed people of NE1 (nothing’s changed in 140 years we might add) with corsets and top hats, Fenwick went on to acquire 37/38 Northumberland Street in 1885 before snapping up 40 Northumberland Street in 1890, as his wonderful department store began to take off!

Despite two World Wars, a global pandemic and various other crazy events across the globe, Newcastle’s flagship Fenwick store still stands on the exact site, offering the same world-class customer service, the finest products and memorable in-store experiences from over a century before.

2019 CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Roald Dahl’s beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was another cracking window display that had the Toon desperate for a golden ticket. Teeming with festive colours and a heartfelt story, the city was treated to a sublime puppet portrayal of Willy Wonka, Charlie and Grandpa Joe in Dahl’s unmistakable style. Simply lush!

2021 SHAUN THE SHEEP

Who knew adorable sheep could be so popular? More than 221,000 people hunkered down in their living rooms last year, as Fenwick treated us to the grand-unveiling of Shaun the Sheep! Shaun and his chums got up to all sorts of festive mischief as this beloved Geordie tradition lit up Newcastle’s enchanting Christmas experience in spectacular fashion.

Whilst it's only March, this rundown has us all guessing and pondering what 2022's window theme will be, we can't wait already!

More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 11

Food & Drink

A taste of

Spring FEAST YOUR EYES UPON THE TOON'S NEWEST DEALS, SPRING MENUS, EXCITING EVENTS AND RAVISHING REFURBS!

DABBAWAL

Sick of those lacklustre salads your other half keeps dishing up? Why not brighten up your lunch hour and be the envy of all your work pals with a scrumptious Dabbabox from Dabbawal! A lush dinnertime treat, Delhi-cious lunch boxes are perfect for those after a yummy bite to cheer themselves up after a morning of Zoom meetings. Here, you can choose either a curry served with pilau rice, salad of the day and chutney dips, a roomali roti wrap, chicken biryani bowls or Punjabi chicken smokebox - the options are endless! Take a look at their scrumptious lunchtime offering by the following the link! dabbawal.com

BARLUGA

Say hello to sensational new spring menus from Barluga! Divine cuisine is on offer at this mega spot this March folks, as the foodie connoisseurs on Grey Street have announced a stunning offering featuring the likes of Lindisfarne oysters, rare breed sausage and mash (nice!), heirloom tomato salad with three new flatbreads, plus your favourite Barluga mussels, steaks and other delightful mains! The doors are open, the grills are sizzling away and gorgeous food is being dished out utill 9pm - get on down! barluga.co.uk

KAFENEON

Get in there! Kafeneon's iconic two course Sunday - Thursday meal deal is back in full swing, just in time for delightful al fresco vibes arriving into the city! Transport yourself to the idyllic shores of Santorini this March, as you tuck into two delicious Greek dishes for a wallet-pleasing price of £11.95! A wonderful spot found on the Bigg Market, you can enjoy delicious grilled halloumi, chow down on tender chicken souvlaki or devour their iconic gyros that are bursting with authentic flavours, fresh salad, tender meats and the tastiest chips known to man. From a fun night out catching up with friends to a romantic date, book your table now and head down for some gorgeous Greek cuisine! kafeneon.co.uk

THE TOWN WALL

Let your tastebuds spring into life with The Town Wall’s beautiful new menu! With the early mornings and light nights fast approaching, this beloved city centre tavern has given their food offering a new lease of life and it sounds delicious! Beloved classics such as the Toon Wall ale battered haddock remain, but now, you can devour the likes of crispy tofu Thai yellow curry, or a seafood chowder, and finish it all off with a scrumptious sticky ginger and date pudding. Serving from 12 every day, get yourselves over to Pink Lane to try their new delicacies! thetownwall.com

LOLA JEANS

It’s true what they say; absence makes the heart grow fonder and that is certainly the case for us and our bellies as we await the grand reopening of Lola Jeans on Market Street. The team have been hard at work transforming their stunning new-look restaurant and soon we’ll be able to indulge in a brand new interior, plus delightful new foodie options such as loaded fries, huge hangover burgers and a stunning new cocktail list! Whether you’re heading out for a midweek social or catching up with friends over feel-good food, Lola Jeans is the place for scrumptious morsels, lush drinks and top vibes. facebook.com/lolajeansnewcastle

BANYAN

Have you tried Banyan’s brand new spring specials yet? What are you waiting for?! Enjoy stunning new bites such as pea and goat's cheese risotto cooked in mascarpone cream and topped with lemon oil. There’s also a delectable Italian burrata served with creamy mozzarella style cheese, golden beets, vine tomatoes and fresh basil, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil available too! We’re drooling just thinking about it! banyanbar.co.uk

12 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

Check out these diary dates!

00'S BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH 13 MARCH

Oh, nice! Howlers are smashing it out of (ball-pit) park this March, as they’ve just announced that a spectacular 00’s Bottomless Brunch is touching down in the city! Packed to the brim with oh-so scandalous games, downright wild dance-offs and all your favourite brekkie bites, set the dancefloor alight as you lap up 90 minutes of hits and selected cocktails, beer and prosecco at Howler’s 00’s Bottomless Brunch. We're looking forward to a brekkie bash for the ages! howlersnewcastle.com

CRAFT GIN, BEER & PROSECCO FESTIVAL 19 MARCH

It’s time to celebrate some of Newcastle’s favourite events coming back to the city - including the Craft Gin, Beer and Prosecco festival! You read that right, a full day event dedicated dedicated to showcasing the best craft gins, gorgeous sparkling wines and lush craft beer from all over the UK is touching down in NE1! Setting up shop in the Civic Centre Banqueting Suite, the festival will also feature live music and cocktail masterclasses to kickstart your Saturday! ginandprosecco.co.uk

THAI COOKERY 19 MARCH

The team at Blackfriars are experts when it comes to knocking it out of the park with mega foodie events! If you want to know your toms from your tams and your yams from your pad Thais, here’s your chance! Head to this super cookery school and enjoy a day of fun, preparing your own communal lunch to enjoy with new friends. Here, you'll create delicious yum pak boong from scratch, you’ll be guided through mastering the basics of a mouthwatering massaman curry, and you’ll be serving up an aromatic khao soi gai recipe to take home too! Indulgent, exciting and educational - we’ll see you there in our chef’s apron! blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk

JAMES MARTIN LIVE 22 MARCH

Yes, chef! James Martin, one of the nation's biggest culinarians is hitting the road for an exciting evening of live demonstrations, cooking tasks, conversation and some very special guests this March, and luckily for us, he’s heading to the O2 City Hall Newcastle for an exclusive sitting! Following the phenomenal success of his previous tours, expect a dazzling evening as James rustles up mouthwatering dishes with complementary courses, in a show filled with daft jokes and laughter in this glorious gastronomic experience. Tickets are flying out like hotcakes for this one, so bag yours now! academymusicgroup.com

Food & Drink

NE1 recipes:

Irish Malted Bread

You’ve read all about the Paddy’s Day celebrations going on across the city this March, now it’s time to create your very own Irish masterpiece with a sumptuous Irish malted bread recipe for you to try over St. Patrick's Day weekend!

Famed for its deliciously chewy texture and rich taste, you’re certain to have a loaf of fun with this easy to make Irish delicacy! Best served with plenty of butter and lashings of jam, here’s everything you need to serve up a storm. We sure do treat you lovely readers!

FOR ONE DELICIOUS LOAF, YOU NEED: 270g of strong brown bread flour, plus extra for dusting 40g of malted bread flour 4g of fast-action dried yeast 55g of malt extract 2/3 tbsp of olive oil, plus extra for tin greasing LISTEN UP! FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR A SLICE OF HEAVEN! Tip both flours into a mixing bowl before adding two-thirds of a tsp of salt to one side of the bowl and the yeast to the other side of the bowl.

Mix well.

Place the malt extract in a separate bowl, then pour in the olive oil and 145ml lukewarm water and stir until the extract dissolves. Tip into the bowl with the flour mix.

Knead the mixture together to make a rough dough before tipping out onto a surface lightly dusted with flour.

Continue to knead for 10 mins until you have a smooth dough. Put the dough in a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for at least 2 hours until doubled in size.

Trust us, good things come to those who wait!

Instead of pacing around the kitchen waiting for your dough to prove, lightly

oil a 900g loaf tin and add a dash of salt and pepper for seasoning.

Roll your dough into a log shape and transfer to a loaf tin, then cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for 1 hour more (ugh… we know!), or until doubled in size. Heat oven to

220C˚/200C˚ fan/gas 7.

You’re on the home stretch! Bake for 25-30 mins, or until golden brown and place your Irish malted bread onto a wire rack to cool before slapping tons of Kerrygold and jam on your slice. Delicious.

WE’D LOVE TO SEE HOW YOUR IRISH MALTED BREAD TURNED OUT! BE SURE TO TAG US IN YOUR KITCHEN CREATIONS AT @NEWCASTLENE1

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More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 13

Art & Culture

Spring into culture COMEDY SUPERSTARS, AWE-INSPIRING EXHIBITIONS AND SHOW-STOPPING THEATRE SHOWS, THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN NEWCASTLE THIS SEASON...

FELT TIPS 10 MARCH

Get ready for a night of wall to wall hilarity when the best new comedians bring their searingly hot new material to The Globe!

Starring some of the most talented comics from NE1 and beyond, Felt Nowt is hosting this epic night and bringing along the likes of Dean Moore, Jack Fox and six other freshfaced acts. Talk about bang for your buck, this one is going to be a laugh a minute that you won’t want to miss out on! theglobenewcastle.bar

PICK ‘N’ MIX 10 MARCH RENT 23 - 26 MARCH

Hurrah! The award-winning production Rent has been wowing audiences since 1996 and now it's coming to Tyne Theatre and Opera House! It’s a classic tale of young love, shadowed by the threat of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the early 90s.

Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for the moment. Prepare to feel inspired and uplifted by this defiantly joyous play, with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

PAUL HENERY WILD NORTH: WILD PLACES, WILD WEATHER, WILDLIFE THROUGHOUT MARCH

Racers, start your engines and may the best drag queen WIN! That’s right, the chart-topping drag supergroup, Pick ‘N’ Mix, are fresh off the set of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 3 and ready to rock Boiler Shop! You can see the sensational Ella Vaday, River Medway, Vanity Milan and hometown hero Choriza May tear up the stage in style this March.

Expect one fierce, action-packed show, including the debut live performance of their mega single B.D.E (Big Drag Energy)! boilershop.net

MATT FORDE: CLOWNS TO THE LEFT OF ME, JOKERS TO THE RIGHT 15 MARCH Order, Order! Matt Forde is taking aim at the left, right and centre of the political spectrum in his brand new show, Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers To The Right. The Have I Got News For You star is lashing out at the UK Government, taking no prisoners in his quest to make you double over with laughter. Oh, and he’s also going to be chucking in some funny voices too. Known for his spot-on impressions on Spitting Image, you’re in for a treat when Matt takes to The Stand this month. thestand.co.uk

Dive into the world of all things wild with Paul Henery, as he takes you on a journey into nature through his stunning works of art at Gallagher and Turner gallery. For thirteen years, Paul has worked as a full-time Wildlife Crime Officer for Northumbria Police and in 2013 was named WWF UK Wildlife Law Enforcer of the Year. On the job, he sketches what he sees, from vast landscapes to defiant animals, before going back to his studio and developing them into the masterpieces that you can see for yourself this month. gallagherandturner.co.uk

STEVE HALL & STEVE WILLIAMS 12 MARCH

Comedy fans, the incredible folk over at The Stand are spoiling you this month, bringing two of the UK’s funniest men to their stage for one sidesplitting show! This double-dose of stand up from Steve Hall and Steve Williams, is heading to Newcastle hot off the heels of opening for Russell Howard on his sold-out arena tour. You’ll have seen the pair on Tonight at the Palladium, Russell Howard’s Good News, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow and many more, so take the opportunity to see this dynamic duo fire out some hilarious gags live! thestand.co.uk

14 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

THE BOULET BROTHERS DRAGULA 18 MARCH

Fresh from their smash hit reality TV show, drag icons, The Boulet Brothers, are bringing their twisted troupe to Newcastle for an incredible celebration!

Expect wild dance routines, jaw-dropping drag sets, tongue-in-cheek humour, horror and glamour in an almighty extravagant performance! riversidencl.co.uk

Art & Culture

5 things I love >>

LIQUID LIGHT FROM 19 MARCH

Lose yourself in the beauty of masterful watercolour paintings at the Laing Art Gallery’s Liquid Light exhibition this month. This hand-picked installation will celebrate the rich quality and variety of the gallery’s watercolour collection, highlighting artists from the golden age of watercolours such as Joseph Mallord William Turner, John Sell Cotman and Thomas Girtin, alongside 20th and 21st century artists. Many of the paintings selected for the exhibition are rarely seen, or shown on this scale, due to the light-sensitive nature of the medium. Take this opportunity to witness these amazing pieces as the artists intended, in all of their colourful glory! laingartgallery.org.uk

NISH KUMAR 19 MARCH

THE TYNE THEATRE AND OPERA HOUSE'S BELOVED EASTER PANTO IS BACK IN ACTION THIS SPRING! WE CAUGHT UP WITH COMEDY LEGEND, BOBBY DAVRO, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR THE TOON!

Tell us your favourite thing about playing in Newcastle?

I love everything about the Toon.

I'm delighted to be back on-stage, having a good time and enjoying a bit of craic with the Geordies you're all super friendly.

Any fond memories from your visits to NE1?

I loved the Tuxedo Princess! I spent many a night there, chucking some dodgy moves out and living it up on a floating ferry-comenightclub. A fantastic experience!

Any plans while you're in the city?

My big love is football so I'll try and get to a game. I remember watching King Kev, Alan Shearer and Gazza back in the day. Those names made me fall in love with the Toon! I'll probably take a walk along the beautiful Quayside and pop to the Grainger Market too - I've heard there are some incredible restaurants just opened! tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Hilarious star of The Mash Report, Taskmaster and QI, Nish Kumar is one of the fastest rising, and funniest, comedians in the country right now! Tipped as one of the Guardian’s Top Fifty Comedians of the 21st Century, Kumar’s quick wit and sharp observations will have you in absolute stitches when he comes to the Tyne Theatre and Opera House this month. Get your tickets now and secure your spot to see this comedy legend in the making take the house down in Newcastle! tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

THE NORTHERN WEDDING SHOW 19 - 20 MARCH

Whether you’re looking for a jaw-dropping gown for the big day or just love seeing stunning dresses from huge fashion designers, The Northern Wedding show is a magnificent event. Head to the Utilita Arena this month and immerse yourself in inspiring workshops, VIP catwalk experiences and some of the most luxurious gowns on the planet. The show will champion the incredible creative centrepieces from some of the best suppliers in the region, while a full production catwalk provides a snapshot of 2022 fashion trends from major bridal brands. This is going to be one spectacularly magical event! utilitaarena.co.uk

JOHANNES RADEBE - FREEDOM 20 MARCH

Strictly Come Dancing sensation and international dance champion Johannes Radebe is hitting the road for his debut tour and stopping off for an epic performance at the Theatre Royal! The show, aptly titled Freedom, is a celebration of the dances that you love, with Johannes’ signature flair and energy. From elegant Ballroom to fiery Latin, a company of exciting dancers will perform to classic dance arrangements, scorching South African rhythms and huge party anthems. Johannes will take you on his journey from growing up in South Africa, to travelling the world, winning competitions and starring in Strictly’s most memorable numbers.

Leave your inhibitions at the door and lose yourself in Johannes’ world of wonder! theatreroyal.co.uk

More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 15

Music & Nightlife

Huge headliners!

THE TOON IS ALIVE WITH STADIUM STARS, AWARD-WINNING ARTISTS AND ROCK 'N' ROLL LEGENDS...

BUZZCOCKS 10 MARCH

Rock ’n’ roll royalty are heading to NE1! Don’t miss out on the chance to see legendary punk band, Buzzcocks as they roll into The Cluny. Touted as one of the most influential bands to emerge in the new wave of punk rock in the 1970s, these stalwarts are renowned for their punchy guitar hooks and relatable lyrics about adolescence and teenage love. Expect top tunes, high-octane action and an evening bursting with all their classics! Sing your heart out with friends to tracks such as What Do I Get?, Everybody’s Happy Nowadays and the iconic Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve?). thecluny.com

EWAN MCVICAR 12 MARCH STORMZY 15 MARCH

The undisputed king of UK grime is finally touching down in Newcastle on his biggest tour to date! Stormzy will be tearing up the Arena stage, spitting classics from his debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, as well as treating fans to tracks from his latest critically acclaimed project, Heavy Is The Head. Expect iconic rap bangers like Shut Up and uplifting anthems like Crown to ring out through the arena all night long. One of the biggest names in world music, don't miss this monumental artist live in NE1! utilitaarena.co.uk

CAMELPHAT 10 MARCH

Legendary Liverpudlian DJ duo, CamelPhat, will be bringing the deep house vibes to Digital this month for a wicked set of party anthems and smash hits! Getting the opportunity to tour their 2020 album, Dark Matter, for the first time, the lads will bring a night of unrelenting energy and huge beats to the dancefloor. Get loose to their double-platinum single Cola and cut some shapes to their future classic Be Someone! yourfutureisdigital.com

16 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

One of the most exciting new faces on the international DJ scene, Scottish powerhouse DJ Ewan McVicar is making his glorious debut at World HQ! This March, join this electric vibe technician as he steps behind the wheels of steel to drop huge tunes like his top 40 smash hit, Tell Me Something Good. Mixing alongside Ape-X resident Luke Scott, Ewan will be rocking the show all night long.

Book your tickets now for an unforgettable set! welovewhq.com

THE LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR PRESENT ‘MARLEY’ 12 MARCH

Settle in for an evening of uplifting song and dance at Wylam Brewery, as The London African Gospel Choir returns to Tyneside to play Bob Marley’s iconic tracks and redemption tunes in full! Featuring a 17-member ensemble, this colourful, high energy production packed with incredible musicians will be delivering Bob’s world-renowned music in the most authentic way possible. We can't wait to hear those rebel tones blare out in all of their glory! Make sure you grab tickets to this stunning evening of live music! wylambrewery.co.uk

LUNCHTIME JAZZ: HAND TO MOUTH 18 MARCH

Swing by The Lit & Phil this March to enjoy wonderful impromptu jazz from rising stars, Bradley Johnston and Lindsay Hannon! Widely regarded as two of the finest musicians from the North East, settle in as this dynamic duo blast through reimagined hits such as A Foggy Day, That Old Feeling and The One I Love (Belongs To Somebody Else). Don't miss the chance to see these local stars strut their stuff in one of NE1's coolest venues! litandphil.org.uk

Music & Nightlife

GROOVETRAIN 13 MARCH

All aboard the Groovetrain! This super funky 7-piece, featuring some of the North East’s most talented session and touring musicians, are coming back to Hoochie Coochie again for their annual extravaganza. Expect the groovy gang to take it to the bridge with a powerhouse set of toe-tapping takes on cult tracks from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, The Doobie Brothers, Marvin Gaye and many more! hoochiecoochie.co.uk

CHVRCHES 15 MARCH

Take me to CHVRCHES! The iconic Scottish synth-pop trio are touching down in NE1 this month, touring their wondrous self-produced fourth studio album, Screen Violence! These indie-electronica vibe connoisseurs have been dazzling crowds since 2011, laying down huge tracks and topping the charts in the process. Their live shows are the stuff of legend and this March, they’re coming to O2 City hall for an evening of massive anthems and unmatchable energy! academymusicgroup.com

BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE 16 & 17 MARCH

Get on your dancing shoes and strut over to Tyne Theatre and Opera House for a groovy night of epic proportions courtesy of Newcastle University Dance Club! This award-winning club competes across the country, winning golds and representing NE1 to the fullest. Now they’re inviting you to join them in a night of celebration and witness the fabulous moves that have bagged them so many medals over the years. From ballet to street, contemporary to tap – there’s something for everyone gracing the stage for this one! tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

ANTHONY PURDY 19 MARCH

How good does this sound?! Make your way over to Prohibition Bar for a serene evening of blues as one of the region's most-loved performers, Anthony Purdy, takes to the stage! Renowned across the circuit for his outstanding guitar skills and unforgettable voice, join Anthony as he takes us on a laidback journey through America and its rich blues traditions. prohibitionbar.co.uk

TOM MCGUIRE & THE BRASSHOLES 21 MARCH

Combining rich arrangements with meticulous songcraft, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes have become renowned nationwide for their untouchable live performances and now they’re heading to Newcastle! The boys will be headlining The Cluny 2, dropping some groovy basslines and intoxicating melodies that’ll have you jumping with glee. Let’s go! thecluny.com

NEW MENU CALLING...

The Exchange SLOWTHAI 21 MARCH

Northampton’s favourite son and alternative rap icon, Slowthai is set for his biggest show to date in NE1 this March! He’ll be hopping on stage at O2 City Hall Newcastle this season, raring to perform some of the biggest tracks from his latest album TYRON for the first time. Armed with his back catalogue of iconic tunes, from T N BISCUITS to Doorman and everything else in between, make sure you catch this enigmatic figure live in the Toon! academymusicgroup.com

MARCH 2022 www.theexchangenewcastle.co.uk

More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 17

Family Fun

The

kids are

alright!

THERE ARE TONNES OF COOL THEATRE PRODUCTIONS, EXHILARATING LIVE EVENTS AND WONDROUS WORKSHOPS TO DIVE INTO THIS MARCH...

THE LOST HAPPY ENDINGS 18 - 19 MARCH

Nice! Round up your theatre mad mates and head over to the Theatre Royal this March for a brand new stage production! Packed with spirit, adventure and glorious surprises, The Lost Happy Endings is a fab fantasy family show that is certain to delight both old and young! An original story by Carol Ann Duffy that has been reimagined as theatre for family entertainment and narrated by the one and only Joanna Lumley. Settle in as Jub, a magical girl who guards the Happy Endings to stories and fairytales, battles with a wicked witch as she tries to save beloved fairytale characters and woodland creatures! A perfect bit of theatre for the whole family, make sure you book your tickets now! theatreroyal.co.uk

THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN 14 - 15 MARCH

Based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, swing

by Tyne Theatre and Opera House this March as a rather dapper giant takes to the stage for some epic family fun! A heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need, follow the story of George, who, after kitting himself out with some fancy new clobber, finds that his newfound animal friends desperately need his help and his clothes! A wonderful puppet-filled adventure bursting with uplifting song and dance, book your tickets for The Smartest Giant in Town now! tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

MUSEUM MICE 11 MARCH

Take the little ones to the Great North Museum: Hancock for a free play session that is perfect for early walkers and toddlers. Stroll through galleries, explore the wonders of magical universes and discover what the museum has to offer with new friends. This superb session lasts approximately 60 minutes and is the ideal event for free family fun this season! greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

ANIMAL EARTH THROUGHOUT MARCH

Take a trip deep into the animal kingdom with Life Science Centre’s amazing new exhibition, Animal Earth! Bursting at the seams with thrilling experiments, live shows and exciting wildlife adventures, round up your tribe and explore the wonder of animals all over the Earth and how they adapt to their different habitats. Discover how kangaroos keep cool in the desert, take a trip via the planetarium into ice worlds and explore creature survival in an inquisitive new live show - it’s all going on at Life Science Centre! life.org.uk

TINY SPARKS! 16 & 23 MARCH

Make sure you pop by Discovery Museum for an award-winning play session, right here in the Toon! Aimed at curious creators, inspiring inventors and inquisitive minds, Tiny Sparks is a wonderful workshop that allows little ones' imaginations to run wild with exciting stories, wonderful workshops and marvellous activities based around groundbreaking scientific discoveries and incredible inventions. It’s the perfect place to let off some steam and meet new friends! discoverymuseum.org.uk

L.O.L. SURPRISE! 11 - 12 MARCH

Introducing L.O.L. Surprise! A revolutionary family entertainment show that’s heading to the Arena. This monumental show is packed with ultra-modern holograms, vibrant live characters and tons of cracking dance routines - perfect for the little ones! Join Lady Diva, Royal Bee, Swag, and Neonlicious as they go on a glitzy journey into the showbiz world to rock the L.O.L. Surprise! LIVE VIP Party - the biggest event of their lives! Bursting with elaborate choreography, eye-popping costumes and the ultimate Instagrammable sets, book your tickets now and settle in as dolls dazzle live in the Toon! utilitaarena.co.uk

18 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

HOW TO SAVE THE PLANET WHEN YOU’RE A YOUNG CARER AND BROKE 18 MARCH

If a refreshingly vivid solo theatre show that’s packed full of musical numbers, tongue-in-cheek humour and fab storytelling sounds like just the ticket, then take your teens to check out Northern Stage’s fab new production this March! How To Save The Planet When You’re A Young Carer And Broke is a stunning new show that peeks into the life of a young working-class carer having to make decisions between life-saving responsibilities at home and trying to save the planet. Well worth checking out this spring! northernstage.co.uk

12.03.22 - 13.03.22 IT'S THE WEEKEND!

#Whataweekend

Sunday morning boost!

A sweet start…

Swing by Queen Street and dive head first into a delightful brekkie at The Great British Cupcakery! Their Insta-worthy parlour is renowned for serving up a beautiful selection of freshly baked cupcakes, bakes and shakes, as well as a full breakfast, sandwich and dessert menu. Lush! gbcupcakery.co.uk

DELIGHTFUL TR EATS

ORIUM EMP

LIVING T H EH IGH L IFE …

DJ turn it up!

Ooof! Michael Gray, one of the globe’s brightest electronic stars, is heading to The Lofts this Saturday to treat party-goers to a euphoric night of house tunes! Expect soaring melodies and endorphininducing drops from this mega vibe technician. theloftsne1.co.uk

B IG

SOUN

DS

…

Get your rocks off!

Be prepared to get your groove on at Boiler Shop! Effervescent post-punk outfit, White Lies, are back with a cracking new album and they’re touching down in NE1 to rock out with big beats and heavy riffs. Don’t miss it! boilershop.net

Experience Barluga at its best this Sunday!

Indulge in a fine selection of meats including topside of beef, pan-roasted chicken breast or roast pork loin, all served with seasonal vegetables, homemade Yorkie puds and to-die-for gravy! Get in! barluga.co.uk

We're jammin'

Don’t miss The Globe’s amateur jam session, Am Jam, this Sunday! This friendly and supportive workshop is designed to give opportunities for jazz musicians to get together, strut their stuff and bond over a shared love of jazz. Get involved! theglobenewcastle.bar

Blues brothers…

Don't miss the chance to see The Skinner Brothers groove away live at Think Tank!

The rocking four-piece duo always knock up a riotous gig, so make sure you catch them live in the city this Sunday! thinktankncl.co.uk

JAZZ I T UP!

T IGH N Y RDA SATU

Barluga brilliance!

M

ROC K ‘ N ’ ROLL STARS

It's your last chance to experience the enchanting new event that’s arrived in the city centre, North of the Tyne, Under the Stars! Taking place over the weekend, head into the city to enjoy a spectacular celebration of local stories and North East fables that have been brought to life through dazzling installations and jaw-dropping cinematography! undernorthtynestars.co.uk

NEWCA STL E… N I H E S ND A E SUNDAY ROA RIS OA T N I AM CK TU

SUNDAY

E RAV EB TH

!

ENT ENCHA NTING TOON EV

Dramatic festival finale!

Northumbrian Pipers' Society (NPS) and Newcastle University have teamed up to host the 6th instalment of the International Bagpiping Conference! A fab event in collaboration with the Newcastle Piping Festival, head to Newcastle University this weekend and look forward to an eclectic programme of events, workshops and performances. internationalbagpipeorganisation.com

Get ready to live your best life with tapas, sharing dishes, and afternoon cocktails at All Bar One on Grey Street! This city centre spot also serves up premium gins, beers and a wonderful wine list. Gear up for a big Saturday night out with a tipple or two at All Bar One. allbarone.co.uk

ST

Whether you're an aspiring rock god, a drumming sensation or a piano extraordinaire, music aficionados should head over to JG Windows in Central Arcade to check out their three floors of instruments and gadgets! jgwindows.com

Pipe down!

Live it up!

A WONDROUS MU SIC

Let the music play!

Tucked away on Higham Place, The Magic Hat Café is the place to visit if you’re looking for delightfully colourful meals, packed full of nutrients and bursting with flavour! Head here, get some superfood down your neck and nurse yourself back to full health! themagichatcafe.co.uk

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Say hello to a jam-packed weekend in NE1 this March!

Heavenly hangout!

Round up your tribe and swing by The Blues Cafe Newcastle on the Cloth Market! Nab a booth, grab a delicious cocktail and relax as timeless Mississippi blues ring out all night long. A perfect spot to see out another scintillating weekend in NE1! facebook.com/bluescafenewcastle

SU NDA Y SIP PIN'!

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More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 19

Shopping

Spring into life with John Lewis!

FROM DINING TO LOUNGING, STUDY TO SLEEP, JOHN LEWIS HAS OUR SUNNIER DAYS AHEAD SORTED! SO, AS WE RACE INTO THE SPRING SEASON, WE CHECKED IN WITH JOHN LEWIS TO SEE WHAT THEY HAVE IN STORE FOR THE WARMER MONTHS AHEAD!

BRAND NEW FOR SPRING!

Woah! Talk about pushing the boundaries! John Lewis have just launched an exciting showcase space in Newcastle and this creative display looks splendid!

The Mat, nestled up on Floor 2, is a wonderful section brimming with exclusive products and bespoke services unlike anywhere else in the city!

A fabulous place that offers customers a unique way of shopping, The Mat is geared around a key theme, set to change with the seasons and the latest trends, and allows customers to learn more about some incredibly stylish brands and inspirational products!

And, with The Mat now ready to enjoy and looking pretty spectacular (if we do say so ourselves!), John Lewis Newcastle are diving into the spring season with their first theme; Wellness Your Way! You can find a carefully curated selection of products that provide all the inspiration you need to discover ways of introducing wellness to your lifestyle. Discover kitchen tech for a healthier life, find your mojo for fitness with athletic leisurewear from leading brands such as Sweaty Betty and enjoy lush products from OTO to help you to get a good night's sleep!

CHECK THIS OUT!

Move over dodgy deckchairs and wobbly garden furniture!

Head in-store and be amazed at John Lewis’ spectacular 7-seater rotating garden pod from Farmer's Cottage - it’s an architectural phenomenon!

A magnificent space that’s perfect for parties and garden gatherings, this futuristic pod is designed with spruce timber arcs and a stainless steel exterior that deflects summer heat and mirrors its surroundings to truly become part of the garden.

GO ONLINE johnlewis.com

NEW LINES FROM HUGE NAMES!

Listen up fashionistas! John Lewis are welcoming the spring season in style, by bringing stunning products from some seriously big names to The Mat. New and exclusive for 2022 is Katie Somerville; the skincare trailblazers who are renowned across the globe for their innovative, clinic-inspired products!

These lush products are super rare and are only available in Selfridges Leeds at the moment, so you know that these items are a must buy for the spring season ahead!

But wait, the big brands don't stop there, as John Lewis have brought Sweaty Betty’s exclusive womenswear to Newcastle! Widely considered one the biggest names for contemporary fitness and wellbeing clothing, Sweaty Betty is a female-founded activewear brand that champions empowerment through fitness and beyond. A fabulous brand to check out in the coming weeks!

Don't miss this >>

Calling all those new parents and parents-to-be out there! Our chums at John Lewis are hosting an unmissable event this March, as they explore All Things Baby with a range of industry experts!

Taking place on Floor 2 at The Place to Eat on Thursday 31st March between 5.30pm - 7pm, All Things Baby will be a celebration of your little ones as expert John Lewis Partners offer top tips, leading brand representatives guide you through the latest kit on the market and specialists in babies and toddlers discuss experiences that’ll leave you feeling inspired, equipped and confident when it comes to the world of parenting.

WHAT’S MORE? You'll also have the chance to win amazing prizes, enjoy a range of delightful refreshments, claim a goody bag when you book a New Baby A - Z appointment and receive £5 off your purchase too. Tickets cost £5 and are flying out, so call 0191 232 5000 to bag yours now!

John Lewis have a swanky website that’s home to all of your fashion, food, beauty, home and gifting inspiration this spring. This colourful corner of the internet means you can keep up to date with John Lewis’ latest offers, products and events all in one place!

20 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

19.03.22 - 20.03.22 IT'S THE WEEKEND!

Step into another dazzling weekend in the Toon!

#Whataweekend Bao down...

BAO DOWN TO THE BREKKI EM AS CELEBRA TE I

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Lose yourself in a spectacular night of thumping beats and melodic treats, as Special Request takes to the decks at World HQ for a mega gig. Renowned for his ability to effortlessly blend disco with hardcore elements, Paul Woolford, a.k.a, Special Request will have World HQ rocking with a night of euphoric hits! welovewhq.com

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Belissimo!

Portofino is a treasured spot when it comes to lush Italian food in the city! Swing by Mosley Street this Sunday and munch away on all your Italian favourites. From lasagne and carbonara, to novara gnocchi, penne calabrese and pollo alla Greca, Portofino is the place to be! portofinonewcastle.co.uk

Pudding parlour Pop to Creams Cafe on Grainger Street for a delightful pudding or two! Treat the family to tasty cake, gelatos, waffles, crepes and more.

Something sweet to top off a fab NE1 weekender! creamscafe.com

Sunshine soirée

Bodega brilliance

Celebrate the weekend in style with American punk rockers, Bodega at The Cluny. Expect electrifying riffs, booming bass-lines and raucous lyrics from this high-flying U.S. outfit. It’s going to be a big one! thecluny.com

’S LET

Bag yourself a lush strawberry daiquiri and settle in as The Castillo Nuevo Trio serenade Revolución de Cuba with their laidback blend of innovative soul tunes. What a way to round off a special Sunday in the greatest city on Earth! revoluciondecuba.com

VINT AG E

COOL R O C O O C M K TAILS A FOR ND TOP TUNES! D E SSER T?

Sublime tunes

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Warm yourself up with some delightful Spanish flavours at one of the city's most popular new scran spots, Café Andaluz! Serving up a whole range of authentic tapas options, a lunch at Café Andaluz means you no longer have to settle for just one tasty plate. cafeandaluz.com

Head to the Civic Centre between 10am and 4pm and you'll find Newcastle’s Craft and Flea Market, featuring a range of independent makers and designers, selling their quality goods! Go here for vintage collectables, handmade treats and delicious Sunday street food! thecraftandflea.com

SUNDAY

Spectacular Spanish tapas!

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Make your way over to Newcastle University and catch local indie heroes, Hector Gannet, as they play an exclusive gig in the city! Rich in melody, lyrics rooted in local heritage and an embracing sound that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, this is a mega music date in the city you really don’t want to miss out. Tickets are £13, a local band is playing - what more could you ask for? ncl.ac.uk

Marvellous market!

PASTA PERFECTION!

Local rock stars!

HOWE-AY T H E LADS

STYLE!

Beneath the bright city lights of the Bigg Market lies WC Newcastle - a wonderful little wine bar serving the goods! Pop to this wonderful NE1 haunt, pick up some delicious tipples and let the Saturday festivities flow with your loved ones! wcnewcastle.co.uk

Pick up a cup of the good stuff over at Pink Lane Coffee. This is the place to be for the perfect Sunday morning pick-meup! Round up the gang, grab a hot beverage and mooch through the city as you blow away the weekend cobwebs. pinklanecoffee.co.uk

The world’s best football team take on Viera’s plucky Palace boys in a crucial Premier League clash! Sing your heart out as Howe’s side return to St. James’ Park for another pivotal fixture in the busy schedule. Can the Toon defeat a Palace side who are looking to break into the top 10? nufc.co.uk

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Bright lights, bigger tipples!

Coffee time!

Toon Toon!

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Kick start your weekend in NE1 with baotastic brekkie at NE1 newcomer, Pablo EggsGo-Bao! Head over to Blandford Street and sample their brekkie bite; a crispy hash brown nestled alongside a succulent sausage patty, topped with melted cheese and a soft omelette - all snuggled nicely in a bouncy bao bun. Delicious! eggsgobao.com

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More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk // 21

AROUND THE CITY

Diaries at the

ready

FROM GLOBAL STARS, TO WEST END PRODUCTIONS AND CELEBRITY ICONS, TAKE A LOOK AT THE HUGE EVENTS ARRIVING IN THE CITY IN THE COMING MONTHS! WOR BELLA 29 - 30 MARCH

Nice! Catch the triumphant story of Blyth Spartans Ladies’ remarkable munitionettes’ cup victory in May 1918 in a wonderful stage production that arrives at the Theatre Royal this March! A true Tyneside triumph, awardwinning writer Ed Waugh and ​​director Russell Floyd have teamed up to score a wonderful show celebrating women’s football during WW1. Poignant, empowering and educational, book your tickets now for this epic one-woman production. Go on there lass! theatreroyal.co.uk

LITTLE MIX 15 - 16 APRIL

Sing the night away as Little Mix take to the stage for a phenomenal performance at the Utilita Arena! The girls return to Toon at the height of their powers, having established themselves as one the biggest girl bands across the globe and we cannot wait to groove the night away with their mega back catalogue of smash hits. Performing a mixture of greatest hits and tracks from their latest album, Confetti, sing your heart out to monumental chart-toppers such as Holiday, Break Up Song, Touch and Sweet Melody live in Newcastle! utilitaarena.co.uk

STEVE BACKSHALL: OCEAN 11 APRIL

Steve Backshall will be bringing tales of the deep blue sea to the Tyne Theatre and Opera House this April, as his brand-new stage show, Ocean, looks set to make a splash here in NE1. Dubbed a love letter to one of the most exciting environments on our planet, Steve will be showcasing a dazzling array of stunts, experiments, props, cutting edge science and big-screen footage from his two decades in TV to a Toon audience. From Great Whites to Great whales, seals to sardine shoals, this awe-inspiring show is a wonderful opportunity for all the family to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

DRY CLEANING 2 APRIL

Experience the mighty power of Dry Cleaning (no, not that kind...) at Boiler Shop this April, as the UK’s fastest-growing musical stars touch down in Newcastle to rock out to their epic debut album, New Long Leg. Formed in 2017 following what must have been a pretty wicked karaoke party in South London, Dry Cleaning burst onto the scene in 2021 and have captured the hearts of post-punk and new wave enthusiasts across the globe for their bombastic bass-lines, moody guitar riffs and Florence Shaw’s acerbic, monotone dialogue. Final tickets remain for this outstanding four-piece, make sure you’re front and centre for when the chorus of Scratchcard Lanyard drops - it’ll be pandemonium! boilershop.net

GEMMA COLLINS 8 APRIL

Oh, darling, we’re not getting involved, we’re just here to enjoy ourselves, NE1 style! That’s right, the one and only Gemma Collins, or The GC if you like, is heading to the O2 City Hall Newcastle to give us Geordies a hilarious evening of sassy one-liners and rib-tickling stories this spring. Renowned across the globe for her uproarious wit, sassy attitude and, most importantly, legendary memes, catch the TOWIE queen live in the flesh this April as she reveals all about her life, iconic Big Brother moments and her beef with Gillian McKeith.

Not to be missed! academymusicgroup.com

22 // More listings at getintonewcastle.co.uk

THE LATE SHOWS 13 - 14 MAY

Calling all culture vultures! The ultimate weekend of world-class culture is just around the corner folks, and soon The Late Shows will be touching down in NE1 bringing you a unique opportunity to enjoy incredible events, experiences and exhibitions in a new light at Newcastle’s top venues. A wonderful event designed to broaden your cultural horizons, this year’s after-hours crawl will guide you to open art studios, wonderful museums and tons of interactive events - it truly is unique! The full programme will be released shortly, so keep your eyes fixed on their website as more info arrives! thelateshows.org.uk

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With a growing range of exciting clients, we like to work with the best of the best and in order to do that, we ensure our team contains the best of the best.

OUR CURRENT VACANCIES • DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER • MID WEIGHT GRAPHIC DESIGNER • UX DESIGNER • FRONT END WEB DEVELOPER • SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER If you would like to learn more about this role then please email guy@allies-group.com, visit allies-group.com or call 0191 500 7900 for a chat and to learn more about our exciting opportunities.

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