The Late Shows is an annual, free, late night cultural extravaganza that residents and visitors can enjoy. All across Newcastle and Gateshead, there will be the opportunity to experience a wealth of cutlural activities, featuring art studios, music, performance, galleries, museums and a host of fun and intriguing events. Whether you are new to the city or know it well, The Late Shows enables you to curate your own tour of the city and get involved in the cultural life of Newcastle and Gateshead in more than 40 cultural venues. The event will take place on Friday 19 May in the Ouseburn only and on Saturday 20 May it will be in venues across central Newcastle, the Quayside and Gateshead.
Click here to find out more and discover the whole programme, or click on the links below for specific activities and a map of where they are being held.
The Late Shows are facilitated by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.
“We are excited to bring the Late Shows back again for 2023. It is a popular event and a fantastic way to try out the brilliant range of cultural experiences on offer in Newcastle and Gateshead.”
Bill Griffiths Head of Programmes & Collections at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museum
A selection of this year’s programme is below to provide a flavour of what’s on – visit the website to find out more about any of these events:
Friday 19th May in the Ouseburn only
- Come and meet a host of artists and designers at Mushroom Works as they open their studio doors for the evening.
- Take your partner by the hand and join Toffee Factory and The Cumberland Arms for all the fun of the ceilidh.
- Have a go at creating an original artist print at Biscuit Tin Studios.
- Visit Ouseburn’s newest venue, Gingerino’s Kitchen, for an Orbis Community, Atlas North East takeover showcasing new works from local artists.
- Explore what friendship means today at Shieldfield Art Works and help create a 15 foot friendship bracelet.
- Join Seven Stories for a marvellous mix of ‘Geordie’s Marvellous Medicine’ activities inspired by the Roald Dahl classic, illustrated by Quentin Blake.
- Ouseburn Farm will celebrate the great old West in their farmyard with a themed night of music, food and drink.
Saturday 20th May in Newcastle, Gateshead and the Quayside only
- With two locations to visit this year Orbis Community will be offering a night of creativity for everyone.
- Join artist Pui Lee and make your very own funky flower brooch or corsage to wear at Gateshead Central Library.
- Turn Discovery Museum into a theme park and help them to create a marble roller coaster around Turbinia.
- Enjoy a medieval ale (or a soft drink) and be entertained by storytelling and medieval music at Newcastle Castle.
- Drop in to NE1 Can Jam, a night of live music at Alphabetti Theatre.
- Head to Sensation Studios on Arcadea’s 5th floor for an immersive exhibition of glowing silk paintings by learning disabled and autistic artists.
- High Bridge Works will host X, an exhibition by Newcastle Contemporary Art (NCA), open studios and DJ sets by Bishop (founder of Opal Tapes), and Paul Smith (Maxïmo Park).
- Enjoy live music from acoustic roots duo Mambo Jambo or a silent Disco at Newcastle City Library.