The Late Shows 2019 - Exploring Gateshead After Hours

This is a sponsored collaboration with The Late Shows

The Late Shows are back! This weekend explore Newcastle Gateshead after hours with a celebration of culture, performance, art and history in some of the most iconic buildings and venues across the city. It's our yearly chance to access some of our favourite places at night and perhaps join in with some unique experiences along the way.

Considering how passionate I am about the city I can't believe I'm about to admit to you that I have never actually been to The Late Shows. Every year I say "this is the year" and for some reason it never is. So we've decided that 2019 is finally our time, we've blocked out the diary and I am so excited to enjoy the ultimate weekend of after-hours culture.

Having managed to bag myself a Late Shows brochure on one of my many leaflet hoarding sessions (honestly, Simon is so fed up with me collecting local booklets and magazines every time we go out) I've loved having a good look through everything that's happening this year and I have a plan ready to go!

We've decided for our first ever experience of the Late Shows we're going to focus our attention on Gateshead, there are some really fantastic offerings and here are just a few of the highlights that we're excited about!

Gateshead Central Library

Gateshead Central Library are throwing a massive party, the theme is "celebrate Gateshead" and we're all invited!

There's a bar for me and a LEGO pit for him! Yep, I'm yet to tell my husband about this (it's going to be the best surprise), but there will be a lego pit and I can't wait to see his face when he discovers it.  I'm also planning on a little peruse of the pop up arts market and a go at the GemArts Bollywood dance workshop.

Perhaps the part I'm most excited about getting involved in is "Because Gateshead Rocks My World" - inspired by the Tyneside Rocks craze (remember that?) - you can personalise your own rock with plenty of glow in the dark paint and then leave it somewhere in town for others to find!  If you fancy a go at that yourself make sure you get to the Library early - rocks are going to be handed out first come first served until they run out!

There's going to be a real family friendly vibe at The Gateshead Central Library and If you arrive earlier Twi-Lates will start at the Library at 4:00 pm with a free drama workshop with Mortal Fools for 12 - 17 year olds - find out more here and make sure you book in advance (book here)

There's so much going on under one roof during The Late Shows at Gateshead Central Library I think it's going to be hard to leave and move on to another location!

Find Gateshead Central Library at Prince Consort Road, NE8 4LN

Gateway Studio Project

Join Gateway Studio Project, Side by Side Arts and Drummed Up at the Trinity Centre for a night of live performances and workshops. There'll be exclusive performances from Gateway Studio Project's youth dance groups as well as offering free taster sessions in dance fit and adult contemporary dance.

Being a huge movie buff I am really looking forward to seeing Stuart from Side by Side Arts accompanying the silent horror classic Frankenstine live on piano - that's going to be a very special moment.

I also quite fancy taking part in a percussion workshop run by Drummed Up and have been practicing my drumming skills using various tubs and saucepans in our kitchen over the last week (yes, I'm driving my husband mad!)

Find Gateway Studio Project at Trinity Centre, NE8 1EP

Dynamix Skatepark

I used to walk past Dymanix every morning on my way to work and I was always nosing through the gates wondering what was going on inside the building so the Late Shows will be my opportunity to finally have a look.

Now I'm not going to pretend that I'll be getting involved in any of the free short taster sessions - I can't imagine I'd be terribly good at skateboarding, bmx-ing or aerial circus but if you're more adventurous than me you really MUST have a go - it's not every day you can learn such unique new skills. Booking is essential if you want to partake and you can find all the booking information here.

I'm planning on going to watch, enjoy the live music and, if I'm being honest, pig out on some of the food that will be available to buy on the night!

Find Dynamix Skatepark at Albany Road, NE8 3AT

Dunston Staithes

I am the biggest fan of Dunston Staithes, it's probably my favourite part of Gateshead and if you're yet to see the River Tyne from the iconic Staithes please make a plan to go during the Late Shows! It's a truly stunning structure and I'm so excited about the unique opportunity to experience it in the evening. It will be open until 9:30 pm and if you don't fancy the beautiful walk along the Tyne to get there, there will also be a shuttle bus running down to the site, so no excuses!

Find Dunston Staithes at: Staithes Road, NE11 9DR

By The River Brew Co

I have to say, this is one of my favourite plans of the night because not only will By The River Brew Co be hosting work by some of the best world-renowned street artists at their pop up interactive exhibition in the Backyard Bike Shop, it is, of course, also home to some of the greatest street food in the region at their HWKRMRKT.

The perfect stop off in your itinerary to refuel during your Late Show trail round Gateshead.

Find By The River Brew Co at: Hillgate Quays, NE8 2BH 

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

I am so excited about the opportunity of getting to stroll around The Baltic late at night and I will definitely be heading up to their viewing platform for the special opportunity to enjoy my favourite view of the Gateshead Quayside in a different light.

There will be heritage tours of the building and the Quayside to enjoy as well as some special presentations about The Baltic's resident Kittiwakes and, if you get thirsty, I've heard whispers there'll be a pop up bar to enjoy!

Find The Baltic at: South Shore Road, NE8 3BA

We can't wait to visit The Late Shows this year and if you want to see what we're up to make sure you're following me on Instagram (instagram.com/newgirlintoon/) - we will be sharing our evening of adventures on my Stories!

What you need to know: 

• The Late Shows starts this Friday (17 May) across Ouseburn before continuing in NewcastleGateshead on Saturday. 

• This year for the first time celebrations start earlier in the evening with Twi-Lates, events for 12-17 year olds running between 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm before the Late Shows kick off from 7:00 pm until 11:00 pm.

• The Late Shows are FREE, however some tours and activities require booking in advance so be sure to check the website before visiting

• Free buses will be running between some venues. Hop onboard the CitySightseeing NewcastleGateshead tour bus or take the Gateshead shuttle bus which will be running between Shipley Art Gallery, Bensham Grove, Dunston Staithes and Dynamix Skatepark.

• For more information and updates about The Late Shows discover more here - https://thelateshows.org.uk/

This blog is a sponsored collaboration with The Late Shows