TITANIA MEETS T-REX AS THE GREAT NORTH MUSEUM IS BEWITCHED BY MIDSUMMER MAGIC…

TITANIA rubbed shoulders with T-Rex and sprites mingled with sea creatures as one of the North East’s most famous museums was struck by midsummer magic. An other-worldly host of fairies and mystical figures mingled with guests as Newcastle’s Great North Museum: Hancock hosted Newcastle Building Society’s 150^th anniversary celebration at an event inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Partygoers were welcomed by dancers and stilt-walkers dressed as trees, who led them up a green carpet and into the museum, which had been entirely transformed into a mystical woodland glade for the event. Reception drinks were served in the Living Planet Gallery, home to a life-sized replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex along with a host of creatures from across the globe, while a trail of flower petals led guests through the museum’s galleries. They could then choose between a barbecue in a gazebo in the museum’s Clore Garden or a hog roast and music was provided by a harpist and later by North East band The Laughing Jacks, while DJ Munro and popular percussionist Paris kept the dancing going long into the night. Samantha Doyle, area sales and marketing manager for Sodexo Prestige, which runs catering and venue hire for Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: “It was without a doubt one of the most magical events the museum has ever hosted and a mention must go to JC Events, which put the theme together. “The full exhibition space was decorated with trees, candelabra and birdcages and with aerial artists and dancers performing among the museum’s incredible exhibits it really did feel dream-like. “Tyneside’s museums are hugely popular with people and companies wanting to host an event with a difference and the Great North Museum: Hancock really was the perfect venue for a Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Jim Willens, Chief Executive for Newcastle Building Society said: “We wanted to celebrate our 150^th year in style in a venue that reflected history but at the same time was intriguing and inspiring for our staff. The Museum was the perfect choice and complemented our Shakespearean theme perfectly.” For further information about holding events at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums’ venues, call 0844 856 1074 or e-mail [email protected].