Located in North East England, Newcastle (on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (on the south bank) are the gateway to the Northumberland coast and Hadrian's Wall. Every year, these cities host a Winter Festival which offers a variety of activities for the entire family.
Here is a sampling of what to see and do at the Winter Festival in Newcastle Gateshead.
Open Air Skating
- Saturday, November 8th 2008 to Sunday February 22nd 2009
- Centre for Life, Times Square, Newcastle
The rink is open day and night for family fun. Special rates are available for birthday parties and group outings.
Christmas Lights Switch On
- Thursday, November 20th 2008
- 4:00pm – 6:30pm Grey Street, Newcastle
Festivities begin at 4:00pm with a performance of the brass band and choir from Gosforth School. There will be an appearance of Titan the Amazing Giant Robot plus radio celebrities. Famous TV chefs, the Hairy Bikers, will pull the switch at 6:30.
The winners of the Christmas lights schools competition will receive their prizes which include family tickets to see the Theatre Royal pantomime Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates.
Bergen Christmas Tree Ceremony
- Thursday, November 27th, 2008
- 5.30pm. Civic Centre, Newcastle
The 20-foot Norwegian spruce donated by the city of Bergen, which is Newcastle’s twin city, will be located outside the Civic Centre. The Lord Mayor of Newcastle is host to this annual tradition where there will be a carol service at the Grand Entrance and music from Norway.
Enchanted Parks
- Thursday, December 4th to Sunday, December 14th, 2008
- Saltwell Park, Gateshead
A light and sound show with special atmospheric effects will take place at the park featuring fairy tales and lots of surprises. This family event is popular at the Winter Festival.
Continental Market
- Monday, November 24th to Saturday, December 6th 2008
The Monument area will feature stalls from Spain, Holland, Germany, France and Belgium. The market is the place to buy Christmas gifts from Europe and visitors can enjoy food from the representative countries.
Winter Christmas Market
- Wednesday, December 10th to Sunday, December 14th 2008
The City Centre around Grainger Street, Grey Street, Old Eldon Square and the Monument will be the location of over 50 stalls provided for local merchants and artisans. Shoppers will be able to purchase hand crafted gifts, jewellery, and food.
Glow
- Thursday, December 11th to Monday, December 15th, 2008
- Town Walls, Newcastle
The Glow trail is located along the medieval town walls and will reveal hidden buildings and other spaces that are not well known to residents. The use of architectural light projections makes this all possible.
Glowmobiles
- Wednesday, December 31st, 2008
- City Centre, Newcastle
Illuminated by artists, these Art Cars will be on display for New Year’s Eve. Each vehicle uses light and sustainable power sources along with music and other special effects. Visitors are welcome to dress up in illuminated costumes or accessories. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. The finale of the evening will be a fireworks display.
Between My Head and the Sky
- The Month of December, 2008
- BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead
The works of artist and musician Yoko Ono will be on display on several locations in Newcastle and Gateshead. She will also be present at the Enchanted Parks. The major display at BALTIC will run from Sunday, December 14th 2008 to March 15th, 2009.
Other Winter Festival Events:
- Christmas at the Sage: many musical events and activities for kids.
- Hansel & Gretel stage performance: Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle.
- Robinson Crusoe & the Caribbean Pirates: Theatre Royal, Newcastle.
- The Children’s Foundation Charity Gift Wrap: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December at Eldon Square Shopping Centre.
For a complete calendar of events, the Winter Festival brochure can be downloaded from the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative website.
Related Articles on Newcastle:
Gateshead Millennium Tilting Bridge
Newcastle Gateshead Christmas Celebrations 2007
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