The summer holidays are nearly upon us, and we’ve been bustling away behind the scenes to shore up our NE1 Summer In The City programme of permanent and pop-up installations, classes and activities for everyone to enjoy!
Designed to bring people into the city and transform the space throughout the summer, the Quayside will become a hive of activity, where you never quite know what you might find – from city centre businesses delivering activities like yoga in front of the Millennium Bridge, to a giant climbing wall or a salsa class beside the river!
Banish school holiday boredom with heaps of activities for kids including adrenalin-fuelled fun and workshops galore (plus plenty of opportunities for a good sit down too!)
Here’s everything you need to know about NE1’s Summer In The City...
When is it?
NE1’s Summer In The City runs from the first Saturday to the last Sunday of the school summer holidays (Saturday 23rd July to Sunday 4th September).
Where will the action take place?
On Newcastle's Quayside, roughly from the Hard Rock Cafe/Guildhall, along past the Pitcher & Piano and past the lovely swirly sculpture (which is appropriately called The Swirle, fact fans).
What’s happening?
There’s a rolling calendar of classes throughout the week, plus one-off activities and pop-ups galore, as well as garden games, additional seating and much more.
Practice your downward-facing dog pose in yoga sessions every Saturday at 9am and Tuesdays at midday; start the week right with Monday Morning Mindfulness at 8.30am and wind-down on Thursday evenings with yoga at 6pm and a guided meditation at 7pm.
If that’s not energetic enough for you, join a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class courtesy of the City Baths, who also offer up Age Well fitness classes on Wednesdays. We're also pleased to offer our first family fitness sessions on a Friday morning with Newcastle United Foundation and you can get your groove with our salsa classes delivered by locally trained instructors!
Plus, there are storytelling sessions for youngsters courtesy of Seven Stories, with a special one-off from BBC Newcastle's Alfie Joey, and tours of Grey’s Monument, as well as the Guildhall and All Saints Church from City Guides.
What pop-up activities will be taking place?
As well as the regular calendar of activities, there will be over 100 pop-up activities scheduled, and no matter their age your youngsters will be entertained! Learn the ukulele with JG Windows; get crafty at our make-and-take sessions throughout the summer, and even bring out your inner Vincent van Gogh with architectural sketching sessions by The Biscuit Factory, or an introduction to watercolours painting session from Newcastle Arts Centre.
If that wasn't enough experience Henna body art; watch circus performers and aerial acts; and enjoy performances from choirs, buskers, and bands, including the North East's iconic Rock Choir.
There will be a climbing wall on the Quayside on two Saturdays throughout the summer, and a chance to polish your netball skills with a demonstration from England Netball.
For the daring adrenalin junkies, you can even zip-wire from the Tyne Bridge onto the Quayside during three weekends! (This is the only paid-for activity, at £35 per person).
How much does it cost and do I have to book?
Everything is free (except the zip-wire), but activities need to be booked in advance via the NE1 Summer in the City website, where you’ll find a full list of events and more about each activity, and where you can book your free ticket. Every time you plan to head into the city pop online to see what’s going on first!
What else is happening?
Astroturf in front of Urban Garden on Wesley Square will provide a chance for some rest and relaxation, with deckchairs, beanbags and fun garden games like giant chess and limbo. Further along the Quayside past The Swirle there will be colourful light-up seating, porch swings and fun dichroic seats. The area will be looking its best, with 3D artwork and NE1's 69 concrete planters freshened up for the summer adding vast pops of greenery and colour.
Who can get involved? Are there age limits?
NE1’s Summer In The City is ideal for everyone! Whether you work in the city and want an interesting way to start the day or spend your lunch break, or whether you’re looking for something fun to do on your downtime or if you’re visiting on holiday. NE1’s Summer In The City is a great way to see Newcastle from a new perspective and get a flavour of some of the amazing businesses that call the city home.
While you’re here...
The fun doesn’t end on the Quayside! While you’re in the city don’t forget to pay a visit to pop-up cinema Screen On The Green at Old Eldon Square, where you can watch live sporting action or check out a movie – all for free!
No matter what your reason for heading into Newcastle this summer, you’ll always find something interesting happening. A guaranteed way to amuse the kids (or yourself!), there’s no better way to spend your Summer In The City!
