Dates for the Diary

Ten of the biggest and best events being held right here in the North East in 2023

The Late Shows

Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May

Get ready for a cultural extravaganza in Newcastle and Gateshead with “The Late Shows”! One of the biggest events in Newcastle and Gateshead's cultural calendars, The Late Shows will take place across two nights in May.

The award-winning free late-night culture crawl features open art studios, music, performance, galleries, museums and a host of the most bizarre and intriguing interactive events. The shows are facilitated by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM), usually featuring over 40 cultural venues staged across Newcastle and Gateshead. The two-day event, now in its 15th year, is a well-established part of the cultural calendar in the North East, and allows participants to curate their own experience from the vast choice on offer.

Join the fun on Friday, 19 May in the Ouseburn area and continue the adventure on Saturday, 20 May in central Newcastle, the Quayside, and Gateshead. The line-up of participating venues will be announced soon, so stay tuned to thelateshows.org.uk for details!

Rugby League Magic Weekend

Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 June

The 16th Magic Weekend will once again take place at St James' Park in June.

2023 is the seventh year in which this unmissable sporting event will be hosted in Newcastle. The event, held over 2 days, gives you the chance to see all 12 Super League teams in action, opening with the Salford Reds taking on Hull KR at 1.30 pm on Saturday, concluding with Hull FC facing up against the Warrington Wolves at 5pm on Sunday

Secure your tickets by visiting www. superleague.co.uk/tickets/magicweekend

Sam Fender at St James' Park

Friday 9 and Saturday 10 June

On what is now known as the 'Geordie Bank Holiday', local lad Sam Fender will take to the stage for two sell-out shows at St James' Park. Taking place over the Blaydon Races weekend, the event is one of the biggest in 2023. Although tickets were snapped up in minutes, the city will most definitely be buzzing this weekend and is certainly worth a visit to soak up the atmosphere.

The Hoppings

Friday 16 - Saturday 24 June

The world renowned Hoppings is a firm favourite in the annual Geordie event calendar. The Hoppings is billed as Europe's biggest and best travelling funfair, with over 300 rides and attractions, and has become a regular feature on the North East's summer entertainment calendar since it first began in 1882.

A regular favourite with families and visitors across the North East, and now has over 140 years of history in Newcastle, The Hoppings is a great day and night out, filled with thrills and spills on Newcastle's Town Moor. hoppingsfunfairs.com

Coastella

Friday 30 June- Sunday 2 July

This brand new festival, with a clever play on words, will land in North Shields this summer. Championing new original music, Coastella will showcase the best live acts the region has to offer, alongside national touring artists, in an outdoor festival in the very heart of our beautiful coast. Artists already announced include Futureheads, Bear Park, Chintzy Stetson, Jango Flash and many more. www.wegottickets.com/f/12916

Mouth of Tyne Festival

Thursday 6 - Sunday 9 July

Since its inception in 2005, the Mouth of the Tyne Festival has grown and grown and returns this July for a weekend of live music and international street theatre in Tynemouth. Past acts include Sam Fender, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Rick Astley and the Proclaimers. The festival is sure to sell out, so make sure you keep an eye out for announcements on tickets, line ups and fringe events! mouthofthetynefestival.com

Loosefest

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July

The Black Eyed Peas, Example and local hero Patrick Topping headlined the 2022 event on Newcastle’s Town Moor. With a line up like that, 2023 certainly has a lot to live up to!

The festival unites the city with music, drinks and lots of dancing. Keep an eye out for the line up which is set to be announced soon. www.skiddle.com/festivals/Loosefest

Kynren

Saturdays from 29 July - 9 September

Kynren - An Epic Tale of England brings history to life with blockbuster open-air performances. Rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache are vividly brought to ground-shaking life in a dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular. Spread over six Saturdays this summer, this is definitely one not to be missed, a dazzling night for the whole family. For more information, and to book your tickets, visit www 11arches com/kynren

Great North Run

Sunday 10 September www.greatrun.org

The world's biggest half marathon returns this September, and Newcastle will once again welcome around 60,000 runners who will follow the famous city to coast route, being cheered on by crowds for the entire 13 mile run.

The ballot has just closed, but there is no better way to spend a Sunday morning than cheering the tens of thousands of runners along and sampling the atmosphere of this unique event.

10. NE1 Restaurant Week

August 2023 (dates TBC)

Twice a year, eateries in Newcastle and Gateshead take part in NE1's Restaurant Week, the next one taking place in August. For a whole week, you can enjoy mouth watering meals for a fraction of the price. Each restaurant crafts a bespoke Restaurant Week menu for either £10pp, £15pp or £20pp. It's the perfect way to discover a new restaurant in Newcastle or enjoy an old favourite at an even better price. www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/ne1events/restaurant-week