April 2024: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle

The Crafty Bazaar @ Wylam Brewery

Hosted by Matcha Events, next weekend sees the first Crafty Bazaar to take place at Wylam Brewery. This exciting new event will see an array of local makers and creatives (more than forty!) presenting their carefully-crafted products for you to peruse and hopefully buy. Whether you’re looking for new threads or homeware, good eats or some body products to pamper yourself, they’ll have the lot – and if you’re in the first 50 visitors, you’ll get yourself a free tote bag too!

7^th April, £2.50 (kids are free)

Waterloo: A Tribute to ABBA @ Utilita Arena

There are several notable ABBA tribute acts on the road and Waterloo are widely regarded as one of the finest. Their Best of ABBA show tells the whole story from their early seventies Swedish beginnings to world domination. As well as all the classic songs from Bjorn and Benny – Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Gimme Gimme Gimme and, of course, Waterloo – the show has the costumes, choreography and production values to make you feel like the quartet are really there.

20^th April, from £33.50

Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival @ Northumbria University Student’s Union

This is the 46^th edition of the much-loved Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival, being held once again at Northumbria University Students' Union and celebrating 50 years of CAMRA in the city. There’ll be more than 100 beers, 40 ciders and all sorts of other fine beverages on hand from the likes of Camper Van Brewery and Hawkshead Brewing across the festival’s four days. There'll be plenty of entertainment too with traditional pub games, several live music acts, snacks and food stalls and a hat-themed day happening on the Thursday.

10^th – 13^th April, £16 (CAMRA members) / £19 (general admission)

Wor Bella @ Theatre Royal

Wor Bella is a stage production of the remarkable true story of Blyth Spartans Ladies, who won the Munitionettes Cup at the end of World War One. This inspiring story – from the production company responsible for Carrying David and Hadaway Harry – couldn’t be better timed, given the way womens’ football is gaining in popularity and respect.

27^th-28^th April, from £10

Aelius Alternative @ Various locations

Aelius Alternative is a new festival created to shine a light on new and developing musical talent on the thriving North East scene. It takes place across the city – at The Globe, Head Of Steam and Mosaic Tap – as well as having a comedy stage at The Forth. The bands appearing are an impressive mixture of styles and genres, some already well-known, others relative newcomers. You might catch Swine Tax, James Leonard Hewitson, Jenny Lascelles and more, and there’s an after-party at The Globe too.

6^th April, from £17

Friend: The One with Gunther @ Northern Stage

If you’re one of the millions of people who love Friends, you’ll want to head to Northern Stage on April 6^th for Joseph Maudsley’s incredible performance as Gunther in Friend (The One With Gunther). In this witty and moving one-man show, Gunther gives us his Central Perk barista take on 236 episodes worth of ups, downs, loves and laughs from the all-conquering sitcom.

6^th April, £25

Craft & Crust Festival @ Newcastle Civic Centre

Celebrating beers, cider, gins and other drinks alongside any food that comes with a crust - be it a pizza, a pie, pastries or anything else - the Craft & Crust Festival visits Newcastle for the first time. Taking place in the magnificent surroundings of the Civic Centre, there’ll be drinks from both national brands and small independent producers, plus plenty of musical entertainment too!

13^th April, from £12.50

RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World Tour 2024 @ O2 City Hall 

The public affection for Drag Race shows no sign of abating and anticipation is high for the UK vs The World Tour. Expect to see drag race favourites like Choriza May, Gothy Kendoll, Hannah Conda, La Grande Dame, Marina Summers, Scarlet Envy, Tia Kofi, Jonbers Blonde and Mayhem Miller going head to head in this official Drag Race UK event.

26^th April, from £41.35

St George’s Day Twilight Tours @ Newcastle Castle

There’s probably no more history-soaked venue in the city to celebrate St George’s Day and Newcastle Castle are hosting two special twilight tours to mark the occasion. These two 90 minute walks (at 6pm and 8pm) will let you explore the haunted halls and atmospheric passages of the castle, revelling in the often grisly medieval history provided by your guide. You’ll get a drinks break in the Great Hall and a chance to visit the roof, with its remarkable views of the city.

23^rd April, £15

Sour Grapes Wine Tasting: Simple Red @ Gaucho

The good people of Gaucho are on a mission to make wine accessible and jargon-free via their Sour Grapes wine tasting nights. In April, it’s time for Simple Red, so the focus will be on all things Malbec, especially but not exclusively Argentinian varieties, and your entry fee includes four glasses of wine and some appropriate small bites. Expect an informal, chatty vibe free of chat about ‘terroir’ and the rest.

17^th April, £25

We think you’ll agree that’s a varied and tempting selection of events in the month ahead, with something for everyone! So whether you’re yearning for a fruity red, jonesing for some pizza, have a need for some underground indie bands or just want to sashay away, you’re all set!