August Bank Holiday 2023: 10 Amazing Events in Newcastle
Our guide to some of the must-visit events happening this August bank holiday weekend
It pains us to say that summer - or at least the school holidays part of it – is drawing to a close, and while it hasn’t been a summer to remember weather-wise, there has been a huge amount going on in the city.
As is traditional, the August Bank Holiday is time for one last burst of summer activity before the season’s end. So whether your idea of summertime fun is riding a zipline over the Tyne, dancing to bhangra, taking part in a street food battle or taking the kids to a rave created just for them, August bank holiday weekend in Newcastle will help you see out the season with a bang.
Battle Royale: Summer Slam @ Wylam Brewery
In a few short years, Wylam Brewery's street food battles have become as sure a sign that it’s summer as relentless rain and queues to the coast. And the Summer Slam is the big one. Fifteen food trucks – all previous winners or contenders - will be competing for the title over two days. As well as some fantastic food, there’ll be bars and DJs running 'til late... and ice cream van.
August 25th – 26th. Free admission but food and drink not included.
Newcastle Mela, Grey’s Monument/Exhibition Park
Newcastle Mela is another firm fixture in the city’s calendar too, a vibrant and inclusive celebration of Asian culture that takes place across the whole weekend. On Saturday 26th, Mela In The City will take place around Grey’s Monument as a taster for the main event which runs on the Sunday and Monday in Exhibition Park. Expect music and dancing, crafts and activities, food stalls, art workshops and much more. The whole weekend is lively, colourful, educational and a whole lot of fun.
August 26th – 28th. Free admission.
Noughty 90s Festival, Leazes Park
Noughty 90s Festival takes place in different locations throughout August, finishing up in Leazes Park on the August bank holiday weekend. Across two days, a host of nineties and noughties acts – mostly on the housey / trancey end of things – will be appearing, including Tinchy Stryder, Five, Technotronic, Basshunter and Rozalla. So dig out the airhorn and the glowsticks and prepare for a big weekend. There’ll be funfair rides, a roller disco, arcades and plenty of bars and food stalls too.
August 26th – 27th. Tickets start at £41.50 for a day, £66.25 for the weekend.
Tyne Bridge Ziplines, Tyne Bridge
Once again, the NE1 team are teaming up with Jelly Legs to bring you the city’s most daredevil experience – a zipline from iconic Tyne Bridge! Not only do you get to do something remarkable but you also get some unique views of the city as you do it! There’s only a couple more chances to get involved, including Friday 25th. Booking is *essential*.
August 25th. Tickets from £35.
Jump Up! Get Down!, The Globe
There’s usually something exciting going on at The Globe on the western edge of the city, and this bank holiday weekend is no exception. Join DJs Wonderlove, Chris Parish, Vinyl Junkie and Mick Bun for a 12-hour, two-room extravaganza of soul, funk, disco, Motown, Latin, reggae and more. Good vibes only!
August 28th. Tickets from £7.
Bongo’s Bingo: Night at the Movies, Boiler Shop
Bongo’s Bingo has become something of a phenomenon and regularly takes over the Boiler Shop for a run of nights. This bank holiday weekend, there’s an added movie theme so that means film star fancy dress and karaoke to movie soundtrack classics alongside the usual dance-offs, prizes, mayhem and – of course – the bingo. If you are going in fancy dress, please check the website for some necessary restrictions.
The Stand’s Terrace Party, The Stand
Newcastle’s premier comedy club has a bit of a secret weapon – a lovely terrace out the back of the venue that’s perfect for hanging out with friends over a few drinks on a warm summer night. And on Saturday August 26th they’re taking it to the next level with a terrace party. There’ll be live acoustic music from Jade Broadhead, Dave Besford, The Detroit Tourist Board and Samara will be DJ-ing too. Best of all, it’s free!
August 26th. Free.
Mini Ravers, Revolución de Cuba
If your children are already showing an interest in the dancefloor, or your raving is restricted by rugrats, then Mini Ravers might be just the ticket: a chance to go clubbing with your kids. On the bank holiday Monday, Revolución de Cuba is helping you and the little ’uns get on the good foot with a heap of attractions – DJs, inflatables, characters, glowsticks, lights and everything else you need to taste the tiny lasers.
August 28th. Tickets £11 (£2.70 for the under-twos).
Magic Mike Drunch Bank Holiday Special, The Purple Peacock
Newcastle’s premier cabaret bar is hosting a Magic Mike-themed party on Sunday 27th, and as you’d expect from The Purple Peacock, they’re not doing it by halves. The Magic Mike show is hosted by Liv Quantrill from Dance 100 and will feature some electrifying, acrobatic, seductive dancers backed by a sound and light extravaganza. And if you want to make a proper night of it, there’s a bottomless drunch offer too!
August 27th. From £40 per person.
Raven, Alphabetti Theatre
At the other end of the cultural spectrum is Raven, a new and absolutely magical theatrical production at Alphabetti Theatre. It’s running until the beginning of September but the bank holiday weekend would be an ideal time to take the whole family to see a show which uses puppetry, songs and stories to introduce us to wild child Raven Varmint! As well as a whole lot of fun, Raven looks at childrens’ mental health and the way families work in a way that will give the whole family something to think about.
August 15th – September 2nd. From £3.
Most of us find it a little bittersweet when another summer comes to an end but the best way to keep that summer feeling alive a little longer is to make a big weekend out of the bank holiday. With so much to offer in Newcastle, you can wind up the season with a burger in one hand and a bingo card in the other... but don’t forget your dancing shoes!
