Everything You Need To Know About... NE1's Grey Street Gathering
Here's the lowdown on NE1's gorgeous pop-up green space on Grey Street
One of the signs that summer is here is the reappearance of Grey Street Gathering, a pop-up green space on Newcastle's Grey Street that brings a palpable sense of relaxation into one of the city’s busiest streets.
Here's all the info you need to know to get the most out of this gorgeous seasonal green space, from why it's there to how long it's going to be in place for.
What is Grey Street Gathering?
Grey Street Gathering is a temporary strip of greenery that appears in Grey Street every summer, complete with deck chairs, beanbags, a planter full of pollinators and an all-pervasive sense of calm. The 40 metre-long oasis has been popping up since 2018 and this year is bigger and better than ever, with even more seating.
Where is Grey Street Gathering?
As its name suggests, Grey Street Gathering runs down Newcastle's grand Grey Street. Stretching from just below Grey's Monument at Hood Street down to Market Street, it makes the whole street feel decidedly more laid-back and alfresco. Grey Street was voted the finest shopping street in Britain in 2022 and we think the Gathering makes it even better.
How long is it in place?
Grey Street Gathering was installed in early April and will stay in place until the end of October.
What is Grey Street Gathering designed to do?
The space is designed to bring a green space, a sense of calm and all-round good vibes to the city centre. It’s a place to meet up with friends, relax with a book at lunchtime during a day at the office or a gruelling shopping trip, or sit somewhere lovely while munching a take-away sandwich from one of the many local lunch spots. You might recline for a little summer evening chill after a good meal or a couple of drinks or between visiting one of the numerous local museums and attractions. The lovely planter that runs the length of the gathering will invite bugs, bees and insects to add to the general effect and help re-green our fair city.
What's in the planter?
The long planter is inspired both by the hidden streams beneath Newcastle and the oxidised domes on Grey Street’s remarkable buildings. Inside, there are around 400 plants - mostly pollinator-friendly and all helping to entice nature back into the heart of our city. Newcastle now also boasts two beehives which came about as a by product of Grey Street Gathering.
Grey Street Gathering is a real oasis in the hustle and bustle of Newcastle city centre, so pull up a deckchair and sit back with a book, a cappuccino or a BLT and soak up some rays as the world hurries by on either side.
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