North East Museum Is A Hidden Gem

One of the North East’s most popular visitor attractions has seen off competition from across the UK to be included in a list of top event venues. Every year thousands flock to The Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle, which houses one of the largest collections of natural world exhibits in the UK, to see wonders such as a life sized replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and authentic Egyptian mummies. However, the museum, at the heart of the city, is also an increasingly popular choice with wedding planners and event organisers looking for a unique and memorable venue. Now, it has joined world famous attractions, such as Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden and HMS Belfast, London, on a list of Hidden Gems, compiled by leading UK catering and event company Sodexo Prestige. The list highlights visitor attractions throughout the country, which can also be privately hired for parties, weddings, conferences and corporate events. Along with its exhibition galleries, the Great North Museum:Hancock has a number of function rooms, such as its Clore Suite, which is linked to an outdoor terrace and is comprised of a number of differently sized spaces which can be hired individually or interlinked. In addition, the Special Exhibitions Gallery can be hired in its 500sqm entirety or partitioned to create smaller, more intimate areas, while the Hancock Café, with views over the landscaped front garden, is an ideal setting for smaller events. The first floor Hancock café, which overlooks the landscaped gardens, can be hired for evening entertainment while the Living Planet gallery houses double height displays of animals including a full size model of an elephant and a Great White shark. The museum’s state-of-the-art, digital, full cinema planetarium is also available for private hire, allowing guests to take a dramatic journey through space to explore the solar system.  “People are increasingly looking for venues which offer something a little bit different,” said Natasha Carr, marketing manager at Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, which manages conferencing and events for Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums “and Great North Museum:Hancock certainly provides that. “From an event point of view, the scope it offers is endless. Not only do the exhibits offer a spectacular and memorable backdrop but the venue is at the heart of the city and easily accessible for guests or delegates from outside the area.” For further information about meetings, conferences, corporate entertaining and Christmas parties at the Great North Museum:Hancock, call 0844 856 1074 or e-mail [email protected]. Further information about Sodexo Prestige’s Hidden Gems can be found at http://www.prestigevenuesandevents.sodexo.com/prestige-promotions/.