May is packed with Bank Holidays thanks to a certain Royal event, which means there’s even more time to get involved with all the exciting cultural events taking place in Newcastle. We’ve picked a few – from gigs to food fests, theatre to conventions – that might appeal to all you culture vultures in the coming weeks.
Image: The Eurovision Final 2022
Official Eurovision Party @ Times Square
Tyneside might have lost out to Merseyside to host Eurovision 2023 but that’s no reason not to make a night of it anyway. Head to Times Square for the Official Eurovision Party, which promises a fun and camp celebration of everything people love about Eurovision. The festivities start at 4pm for an afternoon of live music, DJs and special guests entertaining the crowds as anticipation builds for the live final. Then the main event starts at 8pm with the final televised on a huge screen.
13th May, tickets £5
King Charles III Coronation Dinner @ Arthur’s, Fenwick
Of the many ways you might choose to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, a commemorative dinner at Arthur’s in Fenwick department store must be among the classiest. There will be a special three-course menu designed for the occasion (including a Mint Julep on arrival and a vegetarian option for each course) and music from Backstage Brass who offer a modern spin on big band brass. The event is for 18+.
5th May, tickets £60
Image: Miss Rory: Winging It!
Miss Rory: Winging It! @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House
For one night only, you can catch Tyneside ‘queen of comedy’ Miss Rory in a brand-new show, Winging It! Last year’s Land Of Hope & Rory was a sell-out smash and this is bound to be as great as Rory becomes an air hostess and has the whole world as a target for her razor-sharp gags. Please note, Winging It! is a 16+ event.
12th May, tickets from £27.50
Image: Russell Howard
Russell Howard @ O2 City Hall
Loveable Bristolian Russell Howard is such an all-conquering comedy superstar, it’s hard to believe he was largely unknown even 15 years ago. He’s now regularly selling out his UK tours and he’s back in Newcastle for four shows in May. Finding a way to get quality laughs from the state of the nation and doing it in his trademark good-natured style, he’s widely regarded as one of the country’s very best stand-ups. Please note, this show is 15+
13th-14th May, matinee and evening shows, tickets start at £35.40
Psychic Stu’s Comedy Ghost Experience @ Newcastle Castle
If you’ve ever thought comedy and the paranormal don’t go together, Psychic Stu is out to prove you wrong! For one night only, you can explore the haunted and atmospheric castle with a man who claims to be ‘an open vessel... with the ability to connect to the other side’ (ahem!) and his spirit guide Mary. This interactive event promises to be a lot of fun but NB: actual ghost sightings not guaranteed. Please note the show is for 18+ and because of the castle exploration, might not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
13th May, tickets are £20
Image: Swiftogeddon
Swiftogeddon: The Taylor Swift Club Night @ Boiler Shop
If your idea of a perfect night out is dancing to the unstoppable, unbeatable Taylor Swift – and nobody else! – then Swiftogeddon is for you. The Boiler Shop is hosting two Swiftogeddons but the first is sold out so don’t miss out on the May 20th incarnation. From deep cuts to remixes, fan choices and all the big big hits, this is going to be a blast!
20th May, tickets £11
Image: The Goodtimes Taco van
Mexican Stand Off: Taco Heads @ Wylam Brewery
Wylam Brewery has been hosting Food Battles for a while now and they’ve become a fixture in the foodie social calendar. It’s simple: some of the best Mexican food trucks and stalls compete to be The Grande Taco, the Big Burrito! Entry is free, the food is bought using tokens and the brewery provides the drinks and the entertainment. It’s tasty family fun! Ay caramba!
26th-27th May, free entry
Image: In Between Days poster
In Between Days @ Times Square
Times Square is building quite a reputation for hosting exciting music events and now the inaugural In Between Days festival is taking things up a notch. Held over the May Bank Holiday weekend, this three-day indie extravaganza has a stunning line-up: the headliners are The DMAs, Ian Brown and Two Door Cinema Club, with fan favourites like The Happy Mondays, Cast and The Wombats also appearing.
26th-28th May, tickets are £39 for Friday and £59 for Saturday or Sunday
Image: Comic Con North East 2023 logo
Comic Con North East @ Utilita Arena
Comic Cons have become a big deal in the last two decades, a chance for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, manga and more to meet up, dress up, hang out, buy great stuff and enjoy panels, activities and cosplay. They might even get to meet their comic book heroes. This is the first time the Utilita Arena has hosted a Monopoly Events comic con and it’s exciting stuff for the city’s fans. So get your Akira or Howard The Duck costume ready!
27th-28th May, tickets start at £28.50
Image: Carol Ann Duffy
Newcastle Poetry Festival @ Northern Stage
This May sees the seventh Newcastle Poetry Festival hit Northern Stage for three days of spoken word excellence. There will be readings, of course, but also symposiums, performances, workshops and an open mic night courtesy of the wonderful Born Lippy, all working within this year’s theme of ‘community’. Among the world class poets appearing you can see Carol Ann Duffy, Claire Askew, Ahren Warner and dozens more.
11th-13th May, ticket prices vary by event
That’s one very busy May and if something from that lot doesn’t appeal, we’d be very surprised. From big laughs to indie-pop, wise words to words from the other side, there’s something for everyone in Newcastle in an action-packed month.
