As one of the main metropolitan cities in North England, Newcastle is packed with a number of amazing festivals organised over 2015. With each event as diverse as the next, there has never been a better reason to take a weekend or mini-holiday break to immerse yourself in the experiences on offer.
Hacker space spider – John -/Creative Commons (image size has been modified)
A unique and stimulating event, Maker Faire UK aims to provide a family friendly approach to invention, resourcefulness and creativity. Amassing over 300 coders, crafters and inventors from around the world, the festival is a stage for anyone looking to share their passion with the public. ‘Makers’ are of all ages and backgrounds and anyone is encouraged to apply through the official website to showcase their idea or invention.
With lively installations, drop-in workshops, and a range of enthralling speakers, this is a perfect festival for anyone with a curiosity for science, technology, maths, and much more. Maker Faire UK is a fantastic alternative festival experience for anyone hoping to be entertained, informed and connected to a growing, innovative community.
Details –
Date: 25-26th April 2015
Price: Adult: £9.95, Children 2-17: £6.45, Under 2: Free
Location: Centre of Life
More information: http://www.makerfaireuk.com/
With last year featuring 138 cask-conditioned real ales, 40 ciders, 15 perries & 1 pyder… this year is bound to top it! Now in its 39st year, the Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival has become a staple of Newcastle Festivals. Anyone looking for a short break filled with the finest ales, beers and ciders from all over the United Kingdom will surely be at home here.
One of the highlights is the ‘Battle of the Beers’ where around 30 different brewers compete for the best ranked beer of the event. There will be plenty of ‘new brews’ to try as brewers have to produce a completely new beer for the competition. Mordue Brewery won last year with Apollo 40 – we’re told it’s a soft natured pale ale featuring tangerine, pithy citrus and herbal notes. Sounds delightful!
There will also be live music and food stalls to round off the ‘proper’ festival experience.
Details –
Date: Wednesday 15th – Saturday 18th April.
Price: Normal: £3, CAMRA Members: Free, Glass Hire: £2, Beer token (per half pint): £1.70
Location: Northumbria Students Union
More information: http://www.nclbcf.com/
Giant Tortoise - Akuppa John Wigham/ Creative Commons (image size has been modified)
Boasting the title of the UK’s largest free community environmental festival, The Newcastle Green Festival is a popular event for the environmentally friendly. Within its first year alone, The Green Festival expanded adding two more music stages and many more of the craft workshops and stalls it’s become known for. In addition to the fantastic music and many stalls, the festival includes circus performances featuring a number of entertainers from around the world, a family area with sensory spaces and a drama theatre, a ‘cycle city’, massages, yoga (there is also laughter yoga…) and so much more. Saturday is saved as the ‘family day’ and is an alcohol free event.
Proud of its green credentials, the organisers don’t use paper tickets, employ renewable energy sources where possible, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food to cut down on litter.
Certain to be a great summer day out for the entire family, The Newcastle Community Green Festival has a lot on offer.
Details –
Date: Saturday 6th June – Sunday 7th.
Price: Free
Location: Newcastle Leazes Park
More information: http://www.newcastlegreenfestival.org.uk/
Bourbon Curbs and Lollipop Lamposts by scienceatlife / Creative Commons(image size has been modified)
The EAT! Festival is a combination of various events celebrating good, healthy food from the North East of England and takes place in numerous restaurants and venues across Newcastle. Started by the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative to draw attention to the quality food and drink produced by North Eastern manufacturers, EAT! Festival is for dedicated foodies looking for the next delicious bite.
This year’s winter edition, EAT! IN, is already lining up to be special and truly immersive eating experience. The main ‘Secret Paladares’ events will be comprised of seven talented home cooks from various ethnic backgrounds at secret venues in and around the city centre cooking authentic dishes that they grew up with.
Other events taking place over the week include a cooking competition (Future Chef, Future City), a musical supper club, a Great Gatsby immersive screening and much more. Ticket prices vary depending on the event and make sure to book in advance as a number of these have already sold out!
Details –
Date: 20th February- 1st March.
Price: Varys depending on event.
Location: All over Newcastle
More information: http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/eat-festival
For those with an interest in Latino culture, Newcastle’s Vamos! Festival is a fun, vibrant and immersive event to get involved with. Literally meaning ‘let’s go!’ in Spanish and Portuguese, Vamos! celebrates Spanish and Portuguese culture through various events and exhibitions, and talks about everything from art, film, music, dance, history, cuisine, fashion, and more. There is plenty on offer for curious minds.
Now in its 10th year, past Vamos! Festivals have been a major draw for Hispanic cultural icons and work. This includes exclusive commissions from renowned artists such as Derlon and Felipe Mujica, musical performances from Los Chinches and Tulipa Ruiz and guest speakers such as Paul Preston. Each year the festival gets bigger and better with the Guardian having previously stated that ‘Vamos! has taken the idea of a Latin Cultural Festival to a whole new level’.
Vamos! Festival is to take place this year in June and usually lasts between 4-6 weeks so make sure to research and book your preferred events early! For anyone looking to try something culturally new and diverse in Newcastle, this is the festival for you.
Details –
Date: June 2015, check website for specific dates and events
Price: Varys depending on event
Location: All over Newcastle
More information: http://vamosfestival.com/
Thinking of heading to Newcastle for one of these events or a weekend getaway? Our Newcastle hotel is situated in the heart of the city, perfect for exploring all that’s on offer.
Main image: Newcastle By Night – 96tommy/ Creative Commons (image size has been modified)
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