Category: Events

North Shields Culture Hub Gains Charitable Status

By on 9th December 2016in Events

A NEW cultural arts destination in North Tyneside has been awarded charitable status by the Charity Commission after a 3-month bid assisted by Jesmond-based accountants Robson Laidler.

The Exchange North Tyneside Limited, housed within a stunning grade II listed building on Howard Street, offers space and networking opportunities for the arts and cultural sector.

As a result of the new charitable status The Exchange can now claim tax back on donations towards its future development, as well as able to apply for various charitable rate reliefs, gift aid and charitable grants.

The charity can now deliver even more projects alongside already successful events such as, theatre performances, monthly art exhibitions, youth drama and musical theatre clubs, baby and toddler story adventure groups, live music, poetry readings and open mic sessions.

Artistic director at The Exchange Karen Knox said: “Thanks to Robson Laidler, we now have the ability to make donations go further, either by getting tax relief on them or claiming it back through gift aid. Now that we have been granted a charitable status we can improve facilities, equipment and funding to support and benefit creativity in North Tyneside.

“Our vision is to support arts, culture and creativity by delivering an inspirational environment  where skills and knowledge can grow. We actively engage with companies and individuals to help them develop personally and professionally and stay connected.”

Robson Laidler director Michael Moran, who assisted with the bid said: “Here at Robson Laidler we work closely with over 50 local charities and the not-for-profit sector. We were delighted to assist The Exchange with their charitable registration process.

“The Exchange can now benefit financially and the local community can benefit from a growing creative outlet. It is a valuable service for the people of North Tyneside and we are delighted that the Charity Commission has concurred with our view on this.”

The Exchange has already been host to a number of charity events such as an art exhibition in aid of Save the Children, the Musicians Against Homelessness live music event in aid of Crisis, the North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project and Age UK’s Age Takes Centre Stage charitable tea dance.

The Exchange continues to develop from strength to strength and has already gained its first funding from Northstar Ventures Fresh Ideas Fund which will go towards developing the theatre space, investing in equipment and improving services.

Beyond Chester-Le-Street And Durham

By on 4th December 2016in Events

Snow Ball, Gateshead

Head to St Mary’s Heritage Centre on 10th December for the return of this popular dance night, based on a dress code of Snow and Sparkles. Two international DJs and a great live band will be in attendance, giving you the perfect opportunity to strap on your festive dancing shoes.

The evening will get underway with DJ Andy Lewis getting the Swing Dance Social going, after which, it will be time for a short taster Swing session for the early arrivals, with the talented Lindy Jazz introducing novices to the easy style and fun of Swing, while nicely warming up the more seasoned dancers.

Then, from about 8:30pm, will be the Snow Ball itself, enabling you to bust out your favourite moves to music spanning the 1920s to 1950s, courtesy of the incomparable Strictly Speakeasy Band. Taking place in a gorgeous location overlooking the River Tyne, the event represents the perfect relaxed Christmas party for all couples, friends and colleagues with a love for live music and dancing.

There will even be best-dressed competitions, while the evening will be closed out by the ever-dependable DJ Gillian Scott. How could you possibly hope to round off your year any more stylishly than this?

The standard ticket price is £18, although advanced £16 tickets are available to those booking by Saturday 3rd December. Visit www.lindy-jazz.co.uk, call 07719 174 544 or email events@lindy-jazz.co.uk for more information.

The Tales of Beatrix Potter, Gateshead

The wonderful world of Beatrix Potter continues to enchant and delight audiences young and old, and when they pop into St Mary’s Heritage Centre between 20th and 24th December, they can remind themselves of all of its charms of such characters as Peter Rabbit and friends, Jeremy Fisher and Mrs Tiggywinkle.

This special showing, which takes place at various times over the five days, is directed by Dianne Jackson and carefully captures the originality and joy of Beatrix Potter’s own drawings, perfectly supported by the music of Colin Towns and introduced with cameo performances by Niamh Cusack.

The showing takes place in a specially created starlit setting, with 900 years of Gateshead history transformed into a film theatre. We really can’t think of many more befitting ways to celebrate 150 years of Beatrix Potter’s life, whether you and your family are familiar with her works or are only just becoming acquainted with her remarkable universe.

Tickets are priced from £5. If you are interested in a private early screening for a group, special occasion or birthday party, simply call 0191 433 4699 or email heritage@gateshead.gov.uk for costs and details.

The Biscuit Factory Festive Weekends, Newcastle

There’s a rich contemporary art scene to enjoy here in the North East. However, while many of us are familiar with such institutions as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (mima), it’s easy to forget that our region is also home to the UK’s largest commercial art, craft and design gallery, The Biscuit Factory.

This year, the venue hosts an eclectic programme of Festive Weekends to truly bring the Yuletide spirit to Newcastle’s cultural quarter. On 3rd December, for instance, there is the opportunity to create a decorative garland for your fireplace, courtesy of Boutique Floral. This, and other workshops hosted by Boutique Floral across the month – covering such subjects as how to design a festive table arrangement or create your own Christmas door wreath – are priced at £30 per person and must be booked in advance by calling the gallery on 0191 261 1103.

With various other workshops and demos taking place throughout the month, including Simon Griffiths’ demo of wildlife sculpture on 4th December and Carruthers & Kent’s ‘ask the expert’ event on pairing wines with your seasonal dishes on 11th December, the gallery will remain a hive of activity right up to Christmas Eve.

Visit www.thebiscuitfactory.com to learn more about the full programme of events

Hardwick Hall Charity Lobster Ball Reveals Star-Studded Lineup

By on 7th January 2016in Entertainment, Events

One of the most anticipated charity balls on the North East calendar will be returning this spring – with a 90s diva heading up the entertainment…

The annual Lobster Charity Ball will be taking place at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on Friday April 22nd, which will include a performance by Heather Small, the voice of M People.

The singer, whose many hits include One Night In Heaven, Moving On Up and Search For the Hero, will be taking to the stage at the glitzy event in aid of autism charity Daisy Chain.

Also featured on the line-up is party band Shakedown, and North East 20 piece big band Musicians Unlimited, with the evening hosted by comedian Brendan Healy.

The black tie event will give guests the chance to sample a four course gourmet lobster surf and turf meal prepared by the award-winning chefs from The Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill.

This year’s event also includes a cocktails and canapés reception, along with a Taittinger Champagne bar and complimentary wine, lager and beer for guests all evening.

“We are delighted to have been able to book a singer of the calibre of Heather Small for this year’s ball,” said John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall Hotel.

“The Lobster Charity Ball has a reputation of putting on brilliant performers, and this year will be no exception.

“It’s such a fantastic evening where everyone likes to dress up and come along and have a great time, while supporting an amazing charity.

“We are also grateful to our sponsors, including LA Taxis, Heineken and Bidvest, along with jobhunter.co.uk who are coming on board as our main sponsor for the first time.”

The evening will also feature a fashion show, with clothes from award-winning menswear store Woven, recently voted the Durham Retailer of the Decade.

Tickets for the evening, which will run from 7pm until 1am, are priced at £140 plus VAT, and can be purchased by contacting the venue’s events team on 01740 620253, or by emailing events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk.

Over the past 13 years, Hardwick Hall has raised more than £520,000 for local charities by hosting both the Lobster Ball and the North East Oyster Festival.

International Magic Festival Returns To Tyneside

By on 28th December 2015in Entertainment, Events

One of the North East’s most magical events is making a welcome return for 2016…

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival will celebrate its 13th year with a trio of spellbinding shows at the Customs House, South Shields.

This includes a Family Magic Extravaganza, sponsored and produced by Magicbox Newcastle on Wednesday 9th March and two International Gala Shows, featuring leading magicians from around the world, on Friday and Saturday (March 11th and 12th).

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival 2016, organised by South Tyneside Council and magician John Archer, will also feature a three day convention designed specifically to help professional performers share best practice and hone their skills.

Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring events on the North East calendar.

“Over the years, we’ve attracted visitors from as far afield as Hong Kong, and we hope that 2016 will be just as successful, making it our lucky 13th year.

“Tickets for the festival are already on sale, offering the perfect gift idea for anyone who could use a little magic in their lives this Christmas.”

A full line up for the South Tyneside International Magic Festival 2016 will be announced next year, but tickets are already on sale starting at £7 each.

For more information, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival and to buy tickets, visit www.customshouse.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0191 4541234.

Tickets for the festival’s three-day convention, running from Friday March 11th, are also available and have been frozen at the 2015 rate of £65 each. For more information, or to book your place, contact South Tyneside Council Events Officer Karri Prinn on 0191 4554031 or karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk.

Stadium Of Light Announce New Year’s Eve Gala Ball Entertainment

By on 19th December 2015in Entertainment, Events

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light are cueing the fireworks for a spectacular New Year’s Eve…

Renowned tribute artist Jamie Tinkler, who became a fan favourite on ITV talent shows Pop Idol and X Factor, will be performing as both Michael Buble and Olly Murs at the New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on December 31st.

The event, organised by 1879 Events Management, will also feature a Scottish piper and a fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight, which can be viewed either from inside the function suite or the stadium outside.

Along with all the live entertainment, guests at the event will enjoy a fabulous five course feast created by 1879’s expert chefs.

This includes roasted parsnip and apple soup, warm goats’ cheese, herb roasted fillet of beef, white and dark chocolate minted marbled torte, and a selection of farmhouse cheeses served with assorted biscuits.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for 1879 Events Management and SAFC, said: “New Year’s Eve is one of the most highly anticipated nights of the year and we’re going all out to make it as memorable as possible.

“Jamie and our Scottish piper will both be on hand to help guests bid farewell to 2015 and look forward to all of the fun and promise that a New Year can bring. It’s going to be a spectacular night at the Stadium of Light.”

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light are priced at £52.95 per person, including a Bucks Fizz reception, bacon rolls at midnight, and coffee and mince pies.

For more information or to book, visit www.safc.com, call 0871 911 1555 or email christmas@safc.com.

Further details about 1879 Events Management can also be found by visiting www.1879events, emailing info@1879events.com or following @1879Events on Twitter.

Gala Theatre Reveals Extensive Spring Events Lineup

By on 10th December 2015in Entertainment, Events

A pop icon, top comedians, and new work by The Gruffalo’s creators will take to the stage as part of the Gala Theatre’s jam-packed spring season…

Lulu, Chris Ramsey, Rob Delaney, and Mark Steel will all tread the boards alongside the likes of Stig of the Dump, Echo & the Bunnymen front man Ian McCulloch, and the Northern Ballet in a star-studded line up from January to April.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “We always aspire to bring the people of Durham the finest in theatre, comedy, music and film. Our spring programme is no exception, with highlights including performances from the internationally-renowned Lulu and Northern Stage’s adaptation of Get Carter.

“As well as live performance, we’re also continuing to showcase the best in British theatre courtesy of the National Theatre, and are delighted to bring world-class art exhibitions to our screens for the first time with the new Exhibition on Screen series.

“There’s plenty to keep our loyal customers entertained, whilst welcoming new audiences to Gala too.”

The season kicks off on Saturday 9th January with The Rat Pack Spectacular, before the Northern Ballet look to follow up its sell-out Three Little Pigs and Elves & The Shoemaker shows with the Tortoise & The Hare on Wednesday 3rd February.

Nashville-based singer song-writer Gretchen Peters brings her 20th anniversary tour to Gala on Thursday 4th February, then playwright John Godber’s new comedy Shafted! will trace what happened to a couple from Yorkshire thirty years after the miner’s strike on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th February.

After the phenomenal success of last year’s The Phantom Of The Opera, the Gala Theatre Stage School return with an evening of song and dance in GTSS Goes To The Movies on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th February.

 

And Echo & the Bunnymen front man Ian McCulloch completes a stellar week with his performance of stripped down versions of the Merseyside band’s classic tracks, as well as his own solo songs, on Saturday 20th February.

March brings laughter in the shape of US comedian Rob Delaney, the star and co-creator of hit Channel 4 show Catastrophe, on Thursday 10th March.

And there’ll be plenty to shout about as Lulu stops by the Gala as part of her latest tour on Tuesday 15th March.

 

The comedy returns on Friday March 25th as North East stand up and former Hebburn star Chris Ramsey takes to the stage, closely followed by Have I Got News For You regular Mark Steel on Thursday 31st March.

In between the funny men, Gala has Easter weekend covered with a stage adaptation of the classic children’s novel Stig Of The Dump on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March.

The family fun continues on Thursday 31st March, with the latest show from The Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales.

Meanwhile, a gritty crime drama, bringing to life the hard and uncompromising world of 1960s Newcastle, a city rife with crime, sex, gambling and violence, will see Northern Stage following in the footsteps of Michael Caine for an adaptation of Get Carter.

Rounding out the season, the Gala welcomes another heart-warming play packed with humour and great sixties songs in Tom Kelly’s Baby Love from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th April, and an evening of folk music courtesy of local lads The Young’uns on Saturday 30th April.

As well as the performers on stage, the theatre will also have a number of special events on its cinema screen.

 

NT Live returns with broadcasts of the National Theatre’s productions of Les Liaisons Dangereuses on Thursday 28th January and Shakespeare’s As You Like It on Monday 29th February.

Then, coming to the venue for the first time, Exhibition On Screen will bring films of art from The National Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and beyond to the heart of Durham.

Exhibitions on show will include the works of Goya, on Monday 22nd February; Renoir, on Monday 14th March; and Monet and Matisse, on Monday 18th April.

Tickets for all of these events and more can be bought by calling the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600, visiting the venue in person, or online at www.galadurham.co.uk.

Newcastle’s Toffee Factory To Host Return Of The Illuminarium

By on 8th December 2015in Entertainment, Events, What's On?

Newcastle’s Toffee Factory is set to play host to the wonderful world of nocturnal insects this weekend…

The Illuminarium is an ambitious, digital moving image installation by artists Chloe Rodham and Tim Lozinski, which dazzled audiences when it launched at Queens Hall in Hexham in October.

If you weren’t lucky enough to see it there, you’ll now have a second chance as the installation comes to the Toffee Factory on Newcastle’s Quayside, from 10th until 12th December. Entrance to The Illuminarium is free and runs from 4pm until 8pm.

Described as an Alice In Wonderland-esque experience, the installation will be housed outside in a tent-like structure, and promises to take visitors on a trip through the life cycle of one of the world’s most mysterious creatures: the moth.

With the use of luminous sculptures, multiple projections, sound and stop-motion animation, the beautifully crafted models are sure to enchant and engage audiences.

Emerging Northumberland-based artist Chloe Rodham, who specialises in combining traditional model-making with digital creative processes, explains: “Illuminarium was really well received in Hexham, and we hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to come and see it at the Toffee Factory over this weekend in December.”

“With glowing fibre-optic caterpillars and cocoon shaped lanterns, our exhibition reveals a projected stop-motion animation of moths.  It will be different from the one that was shown in Hexham, and we’re excited to see what audiences will think of it.”

There will be also be the chance to gather insight into how the artwork was created, as the artists will be giving a talk from 4pm until 5pm on Saturday. For more information, or to book a free ticket, visit www.the-illuminarium.co.uk.

The Illuminarium is supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and Creative Space Management.

Win! Tickets To See T.Rextasy’s 40th Anniversary Tour

By on 3rd December 2015in Competitions, Entertainment, Events, Music, What's New?, What's On?

The definitive glam rockers are back on tour, and they’re coming this way…

Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the 1970s. With Bolan’s special mix of Rock-a-Boogie and Rock ‘n’ Roll songs, including classics such as Telegram Sam, Get It On and Jeepster, the band defined what would be known as the original glam rock era.

And now, they’re heading to the North East… sort of.

T.Rextasy is the world’s only official T.Rex tribute band, an accolade endorsed by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, catalogue management, and members of the original band. T.Rextasy have been performing around the world for over twenty years – a career that ironically outlives Marc’s own – and have been described as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’.

“They’re the closest you’re ever going to get to the real thing” – Bill Legend, (original T.Rex drummer)

“Danielz is more than a career lookalike. Here we have a serious guitarist with the animal grace of early Bolan and the clear unequivocal love of the music” – The Stage

 

On Friday 22nd January 2016, T.Rextasy will be performing at the Forum Theatre in Billingham. The concert is a part of their ‘I Love To Boogie’ anniversary tour, and if you’d like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like forty years ago, we recommend you enter our competition below.

We’re giving away two tickets to their Billingham concert, and all you need to do is the question below…

What is Marc Bolan’s real name?

Competition closed. Congratulations to Rebecca Kamsika from Middlesbrough!

Rihanna Tickets On Sale From Thursday

By on 1st December 2015in Entertainment, Events, Music

Thursday 3rd December will see fans of global superstar Rihanna given the chance to secure tickets to see her live on Wearside…

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light is set to host the Bajan star on the UK leg of her ANTI World Tour on Saturday 18th June 2016, and is the only stadium venue between Coventry and Edinburgh on the hotly anticipated tour.

Supporting Rihanna on the tour will be The Weeknd, whose album Beauty Behind The Madness reached number 1 in the UK charts, and American rapper Big Sean.

Fans can buy tickets in person from the Stadium of Light box office from 9am on Thursday morning. A limited allocation of General Admission (GA) tickets, affording pitch standing/unreserved Tier 1 seating is available.

Reserved seating tickets can only be purchased through approved ticket agents (listed below). Fans are advised that tickets cannot be purchased from SAFC’s telephone hotline or club website.

Fans who wish to queue to ensure they get their tickets can do so from 6am on Thursday, with the ticket office opening at 9am. No overnight queuing will be permitted. Fans who do not wish to purchase their tickets in person can do so via the official ticket websites and phone lines listed below.

SAFC’s commercial director, Gary Hutchinson, said: “Rihanna has created a real buzz surrounding this world tour and her new album as part of her online ANTI DiaRy campaign and we are thrilled to be a part of it. There has been unprecedented interested since the announcement, and we fully expect this concert to match Rihanna’s last visit to Sunderland and sell-out, so we urge fans to secure their tickets as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment.”

HOW TO BUY

Tickets go on sale Thursday 3rd December from 9am at the Stadium of Light ticket office and from approved ticket agents.

A pre-sale will be available for SAFC season card holders and official members on Wednesday 2nd December from 9am.

Stadium of Light sales information:

The Stadium of Light will offer General Admission (standing/Tier 1 unreserved seating) tickets only, priced at £55, and a limited number of Gold Circle tickets at £75. All sales are subject to a £4 booking fee per ticket (unless payment is made in cash). Tickets cannot be purchased from SAFC by telephone or online, tickets are available from the stadium’s box office to in-person purchasers only.

Please note £1 per ticket will be added onto the booking fee, and this fee will be donated to the Clara Lionel Foundation.

Ticket agents:

Golden Circle £75, general admission tickets (standing/Tier 1 unreserved seating) £55. Tier 2 reserved seats £60 and Tier 3 reserved seats £50/£60. All tickets are subject to a booking fee.

Please note that £1 per ticket will be added onto the booking fee, this fee will be donated to the Clara Lionel Foundation.

Online at www.livenation.com.

Online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 0844 8440444.

Wheelchair and special needs patrons:

Tickets for wheelchair and special needs patrons are available by telephone from SAFC, tel. 0191 551 5004 or ticket.office@safc.com.

Important information:

Young people aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged over 18, and no unaccompanied youngsters aged 14 or under will be permitted entry to the venue.

There is a limit of six tickets per purchaser in place.

Show Times:

External courtyards: 2pm
Doors: 4pm
Showtime: 6pm
Show ends: 11pm

Hospitality:

Demand for this show is expected to be exceptionally high. Visit www.safcconcerts.com, call 0871 911 1555, or email rihannahosp@safc.com to find out more information, or to make an expression of interest for our exciting new concert hospitality concept. Existing SAFC hospitality customers should contact the club immediately to reserve their package.

Hilton Garden Inn:

A new 141 bedroom Hilton Garden Inn will open adjacent to the Stadium of Light in April 2016. For more information, or to make a room reservation, call 0191 5515110 or email catherine.graham@hilton.com. Prompt booking advised.

All the latest news about Rihanna at the Stadium of Light will be available at the following locations:

www.safcconcerts.com
https://twitter.com/StadiumOfLight
https://www.facebook.com/stadiumoflight
http://instagram.com/sunderlandafcofficial
www.youtube.com/user/sunderlandafc

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It Isn’t Time For Panto At Durham Gala Theatre (Oh Yes It Is)

By on 1st December 2015in Entertainment, Events

Pantomime fans are set to flock to Durham as Cinderella treads the boards at the city’s Gala Theatre…

The show began a six week run on Thursday 26th November, with many of the near sixty performances already sold out or close to capacity.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “Thousands of people enjoyed the Gala’s 2014 production of Aladdin, and I’m sure audiences will be delighted with what we’ve got in store this year.

“It’s really exciting for us to have pantomime regulars Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley writing, directing and starring in Cinderella, as they bring a wealth of panto experience to the job and know exactly what Durham audiences love.

“Having already seen over 25,000 people book to see this year’s panto, we now can’t wait to open the curtains and welcome families to the show.”

 

The duo’s version of the enchanting rags-to-riches story will see Neil play the villainous Dan Meanie and Paul take on the role of the hapless Buttons.

Neil Armstrong said: “We’ve had a ball writing this year’s script, and had plenty of laughs along the way.”

Paul Hartley said: “We’ve a few surprises lined-up as we’ve aimed to add a few new twists, whilst ensuring we incorporate everything we’ve loved about panto at Gala.”

The pair will be joined on stage by Hazel Pude as Cinderella, whose life will be made a misery by Ugly Sisters John Carter and Paul Dunn.

 

It will be down to Sally Collett as the Fairy Godmother to wave her magic wand and cast a spell that will help Cinders win the heart of the handsome Prince Charming, played by James Hedley.

Cinderella runs at the Gala Theatre until Sunday 3rd January 2016.

Tickets are priced from £8, and are still available by calling the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600, or online at www.galadurham.co.uk.

For the best availability, audiences are advised to book for matinee performances as soon as possible.

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