With more than 2000 years of history, NewcastleGateshead certainly has a story or two to tell. This year, a host of exciting exhibitions and events will set about turning the page on some of those tales and will encourage visitors, young and old, to delve into the magical world of some of their favourite authors.
Opening later this week, Oodles of Doodles celebrates 20 years of World Book Day with an exhibition featuring illustrations from some of the literary world’s best loved children’s book illustrators at Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books.
In February, Seven Stories will also launch BEARS! a major year-long exhibition exploring the nation’s favourite literary bears, including Rupert and Winnie-the-Pooh, and introducing new stories filled with polar bears, panda bears, talking bears, scary bears and toy bears. Visitors are invited to explore artwork and manuscripts from books including Hugless Douglas, We’re Going on A Bear Hunt and His Dark Material’s by Philip Pullman.
March see exhibitions dedicated to illustration extend to the Laing Art Gallery, as it welcomes Quentin Blake: Inside Stories, providing a unique insight into the origins of some of Quentin Blake’s most characteristic and popular creations, from his illustrations for Roald Dahls classic children’s books to The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams.
Hadrian’s Cavalry, a six-month exhibition at 10 museums and heritage attractions along the full length of Hadrian’s Wall – from South Shields in the east to Maryport in the west – launches on 08 April, uncovering 2000 years of history and the stories of the Roman Cavalry stationed along Hadrian’s Wall.
Life Science Centre takes an alternative look at history through the wonderful world of Lego. Local builder Steve Mayes has set about creating some of the North East’s favourite landmarks including the Angel of the North. Meanwhile, master modeller Warren Elsmore has undertaken the mammoth task of creating scenes from the Big Bang to the Moon Landing and Obamas inauguration with his exhibition, Brick History.
Finally, Newcastle prepares to recount one of its proudest stories as November marks 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. received an honorary degree from Newcastle University. Freedom City 2017 is a year-long commemoration paying tribute to Dr King’s passionate and moving acceptance speech delivered at Newcastle University on 13 November 1967.
Featuring large-scale outdoor events, a special city-wide cultural programme and an education and academic programme delivered by Newcastle University, Freedom City 2017 explores the themes of what Dr King called the three ‘urgent and great problems’ of war, poverty and racism – which remain as relevant today as they were in 1967.
Full listings below.
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NewcastleGateshead 2017: Listings
Major Exhibitions
North East Lego Landmarks
Life Science Centre, Newcastle, NE1 4EP
14 January 2017 – 23 April 2017
www.life.org.uk
Local LEGO® builder Steve Mayes has been busy building LEGO® versions of some of the North East’s favourite landmarks. See his collection at Life, including, BALTIC, Angel of the North and the International Centre for Life – a specially commissioned new model on show for the first time. Please note – LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this exhibition.
Brick History
Life Science Centre, Newcastle, NE1 4EP
14 January 2017 – 23 April 2017
www.life.org.uk
Life Science Centre will be home to a host of intricate historical models, all of which have been made from scratch using LEGO® bricks. This new exhibition will span the whole of human history – picking out the key highlights – to show how mankind has progressed over the years, from the pre-historic era to modern day. Visitors can marvel at over 50 LEGO models depicting the most pivotal moments in history, from the Big Bang, to the sinking of the Titanic, the Moon landing, and modern events such as President Obama’s inauguration. Please note – LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this exhibition.
Oodles of Doodles
Saturday 14 January – Sunday 26 March 2017
Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books
Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ
http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/
Some of the UK’s leading illustrators, from budding artists to iconic illustrators have been asked to ‘Doodle Something Booky’, as part of World Book Day’s birthday festivities. Over 40 top children’s book illustrators have contributed to the exhibition including Nick Sharratt, Axel Scheffler, Emily Gravett, Cressida Cowell, Chris Riddell, Steve Antony, David Roberts and Guy Parker-Rees – to name a few!
Bones: Skeleton Secrets of the Animal World
Saturday 4 February – Sunday 14 May 2017
Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
Why can’t I fly like a bird, or leap as far as a frog? The animal world is full of questions and bones can help us find the answers. From itty-bitty bats to whopping whales, bones are the hidden keys to how animals move, survive and evolve over time. Join us on an interactive journey through land, air and ocean and marvel at real bones, teeth and fossils from over 100 creatures.
BEARS!
Saturday 18 February 2017 – February 2018
Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books
Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ
http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/
Seven Stories launches a new, year-long, exhibition Bears! on 18 Feb 2017, which will have an early years focus. Children will be invited to bring their own teddy bears from home to introduce them to a whole set of literary bears including I am Bear by Ben Bailey Smith and Sav Akyuz, Can’t you Sleep Little Bear by Barbara Firth, The Everywhere Bear by Julia Donaldson, The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield and Mr Gum and the Dancing bear by Andy Stanton. Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson is the face of the exhibition and will act as a guide throughout.
Quentin Blake: Inside Stories
11 March 2017 – 08 July 2017
Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle, NE1 8AG
https://laingartgallery.org.uk/whats-on/quentin-blake-inside-stories
This exhibition from House of Illustration gives a unique insight into the origins of some of Quentin Blake’s most characteristic and popular creations, from his illustrations for Roald Dahls classic Children’s books to The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams. Inside Stories demonstrates Blake’s use of a wide range of different techniques and media including inks, watercolours and pastels to create his distinctive and unforgettable illustrations.
Festivals & Events
Chinese New Year
Stowell Street, Newcastle
28 January 2017 (Celebration on Sunday 29 January).
www.newcastlegateshead.com
Kung Hey Fat Choi! Join the celebrations in and around Newcastle’s Stowell Street as we usher in the Year of the Rooster 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.
BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival
Sage Gateshead, St Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2JR
17-19 March 2017
www.sagegateshead.com / www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0144txn
Returning to Sage Gateshead for the 6th year, the festival brings together leading thinkers for a free weekend of provocative debate, new ideas, music and performance.
Gateshead International Jazz Festival
Sage Gateshead
31 March-02 April 2017
www.sagegateshead.com
Gateshead International Jazz Festival returns with its trademark mix of UK, European and International Jazz Icons, hot new talent and some of the best from the thriving Northern Jazz scene. Highlights come from GoGo Penguin and Shobaleader One, Miles Mosely and Neil Cowley. The festival, the UK’s biggest held under one roof, fills four stages at Sage Gateshead from Friday 31 March to Sunday 02 April 2017. Tickets are now on sale.
Maker Faire
Life Science Centre
01-02 April 2017
www.life.org.uk / http://www.makerfaireuk.com/
Maker Faire UK is the greatest show (and tell) on Earth! It’s a two day family friendly festival of invention and creativity, bringing together over 300 hackers, crafters, coders, DIYers and garden shed inventors from across the globe – people who love to make stuff and who want to share their passion with the public.
Hadrian’s Cavalry
Venues across Hadrian’s Wall
8 April – 10 September 2017
www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk
Taking place at ten attractions across the full length of Hadrian’s Wall, Hadrian’s Cavalry is a brand new, wall-wide exhibition celebrating the elite Roman cavalry regiments that guarded Hadrian’s Wall and projected the power of Imperial Rome 2000 years ago.
The six month exhibition is a once in a lifetime opportunity for visitors to explore the role and daily life of the cavalry forces of the Roman army. The exhibition features a range of remarkable and finely decorated Roman cavalry objects – including cavalry helmets and ornate armour – as well as a series of re-enactment events at attractions across the 150 mile long World Heritage Site – from Maryport in the west to South Shields in the east. The objects include loans from National and International Museums and private collections alongside finds from sites across Hadrian’s Wall. A new piece of contemporary art celebrating the cavalry has also been commissioned for Chesters Roman Fort and Museum.
On 1 & 2 July, the largest Roman cavalry re-enactments ever seen in the UK will take place throughout the day at Bitts Park in Carlisle as part of Hadrian’s Cavalry. A troop (turma) of 30 Roman cavalrymen will come together to perform training exercises described by Hadrian himself 2000 years ago.
Rugby League Magic Weekend
20-21 May 2017
http://www.rugby-league.com/tickets/magic_weekend
Dacia Magic Weekend will once again return to St James’ Park, Newcastle in May 2017 for a third time. The home of Newcastle United will feature all First Utility Super League teams going head-to-head across one weekend, showcasing the biggest and best Super League derby matches in one venue. The fun doesn’t end there with activities for all including live music, face painters and a fanzone entertaining fans all weekend.
The Late Shows
Various venues across NewcastleGateshead
19-20 May 2017
www.thelateshows.org.uk
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’.
Northern Pride
Leazes Park, Newcastle
21-23 July 2017
http://www.northern-pride.com/
Northern Pride is a celebration of LGBT life on Tyneside and is one of the biggest and most diverse free events in the North East which starts with a Pride march through Newcastle and ends with a day of music, education, fun and celebration.
SummerTyne Americana Festival
Sage Gateshead
21-23 July 2017
www.sagegateshead.com
SummerTyne Americana Festival is an immensely popular weekend event that attracts visitors from across the world for a sizzling celebration of Americana music in and around the spectacular setting of Sage Gateshead, on the south bank of the river Tyne.
Great North Run Weekend
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
09-10 September 2017
www.greatrun.org
The most high profile half marathon in the world returns, 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’.
Juice Festival 2017
Various locations across NewcastleGateshead
Friday 20th – Saturday 28th October 2017
www.juicefestival.co.uk
NewcastleGateshead’s award-winning festival for children, young people and their families’ returns for its tenth year this October half term. This year the festival takes its inspiration from Freedom City, developing a programme hinged on the theme of inclusivity with outstanding work created by children and young people alongside a family friendly programme delivered by regional, national and international artists.
Freedom City 2017
NewcastleGateshead
Throughout 2017, culminating in November
www.freedomcity2017.com
Freedom City 2017 is a cultural celebration across Newcastle upon Tyne marking the 50th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. receiving an honorary degree from Newcastle University. Commemorating the themes of Dr King’s passionate speech in Newcastle – his final public address outside America before his assassination – Freedom City 2017 explores what Dr King called ‘urgent and great problems’ all over the world; ‘the problem of racism, the problem of poverty and the problem of war’.
Taking place throughout the year, Freedom City 2017 culminates in a series of major cultural events in November, including Freedom City on the Tyne – an epic, day-long series of performances commemorating historic civil rights marches from across the world. Taking inspiration from Passion Plays, community groups, local performers and members of the public will join international artists and performers in this mass participation event that will culminate in a march of thousands on NewcastleGateshead’s iconic quayside.
Additional events include an exhibition at Great North Museum: Hancock celebrating Dr King’s visit to Newcastle and Songs of Freedom; a musical celebration at Sage Gateshead of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement.
NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival: Enchanted Parks
Saltwell Park, Gateshead
December 2017
www.NewcastleGateshead.com/winterfestival
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.
NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival: NYE Winter Carnival and Midnight Fireworks
Central Newcastle
31 December 2017
www.NewcastleGateshead.com/winterfestival
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.
ENDS