Stagecoach Helps Drive Summer Fun at NE1's Stay & Play
Families visiting Newcastle city centre this summer can enjoy even more free fun as Stagecoach joins forces with NE1 to support the return of the popular Stay & Play experience at Old Eldon Square.
Running from 20 July to 31 August, Stay & Play has become one of the highlights of Newcastle's family summer programme, offering a free outdoor space packed with interactive games, sandpits and imaginative activities for children of all ages. Following a successful debut in 2025, the attraction returns bigger than ever, with Stagecoach bringing a host of transport-themed games, activities and experiences designed to inspire the next generation of bus users.
Throughout the summer holidays, families can enjoy free Stagecoach-hosted events, giveaways and hands-on activities that celebrate sustainable travel while encouraging children to discover the important role buses play in everyday life.
The partnership reflects Stagecoach's commitment to investing in the future of bus travel by helping young people build positive, lifelong connections with buses.
From travelling to school and college to commuting for work or attending hospital appointments, buses remain an essential part of everyday life, connecting people with opportunities across the region.
Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, said: "We're delighted to partner with NE1 to support Stay & Play and help bring even more free family activities to the heart of Newcastle this summer. As a business that connects communities across the North East, we're proud to play a role in creating memorable experiences for local families while making it easier and more affordable to travel into the city.
"Through our Take the Kids for Free initiative and our involvement in Stay & Play, we're helping families enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer during the school holidays."
The sponsorship also comes as Stagecoach continues to invest in the future of bus travel across Newcastle through the phased introduction of electric buses.
Steve added: "Our EVs not only offer comfort through air conditioning, e-leather seats and charging ports, they also offer better accessibility for physically, audio and visually impaired customers and save over 270,000 pounds of carbon emissions per year, per vehicle."
The new electric buses represent another step towards creating a greener and more accessible public transport network for Newcastle, with 18 electric vehicles set to operate from the Slatyford depot.
Families can also make the most of Stagecoach's Take the Kids for Free offer during the school holidays. Across Newcastle, up to three children aged 11 and under can travel free on local buses when accompanied by a fare-paying adult or concessionary pass holder, making it even easier and more affordable to enjoy everything the city has to offer this summer.
As a free drop-in destination, Stay & Play perfectly complements NE1's other popular attractions in Old Eldon Square, including Screen on the Green and Tiny Toon. No booking is required, allowing families to pop in, relax, play and return throughout the holidays.
With free activities, sustainable travel and family entertainment coming together in the heart of Newcastle, Stagecoach and NE1 are helping make this summer one to remember.
