Late Shows Friday 19th – Saturday 20th May 2017
*FREE CULTURAL EVENTS AROUND THE TOON & GATESHEAD*
Each year, museums, studios and galleries hold one-off events including tours, craft workshops and parties all in honour of the brilliant culture and history of NewcastleGateshead – all for free!
Here’s just a little bit of what I got up to this year:
The Time Bandits (Ouseburn)
We were transported back to Victorian Whitechapel witnessing the crimes of Jack the Ripper. The story was told by a team of professional re-enactors – the event was fun, historically accurate and took me to places around the Ouseburn I’d never been, even as a proud Geordie. I’d also like to point out that my boyfriend was chatted up by one of the Victorian ‘ladies’ of that time – that’s how accurate the story tellers were!
36 Lime Street Open Studios (Ouseburn)
This beautiful building in the Ouseburn Valley houses over 40 artists and is open to the public as part of the Late Shows. This gives you the chance to meet local artists, see their art and take part in mini workshops. My favourites were the glass studios and felt/textile studio. Believe me, there was 4 floors of art – you will find something you love.
Grainger Night Market (Newcastle City Centre)
The market stayed open late for one night only – showcasing local talent and food from everywhere you can think of. The market held events throughout the day and night, including Scottish Dancers and dancers from Dance City Newcastle (pictured).
We also had the chance to explore a WW2 air raid shelter with a local tour guide (you must book early for this event, places are limited!!) – you’d never guess where it is located under the Grainger Market…definitely a hidden gem I felt privileged to visit.
Experiments in Happiness (Grey Street, Newcastle City Centre)
We ended the night in one of Newcastle’s Grade II listed buildings, visiting rooms which explore ideas of happiness and mood. It housed amazing art work and included interactive experiences throughout 3 floors. The event incorporated science, philosophy and psychology brought to us by many local artists. I visited a phrenology room, listened to spoken word about Geordie land and drank some ‘mood enhancing’ drinks. It was a great way to end the night!
So, keep your eyes peeled for the Late Shows around May time – one of my favourite events and it’s different every year!
