Everything You Need To Know About… NE1's Play Rebellion
Play Rebellion is back at Old Eldon Square this summer so here's a handy guide to what it's all about
Play Rebellion is a brilliant mix of art, play, fun and creativity that takes up residence at Old Eldon Square over the summer months.
It's perfect for keeping little ones busy and entertained during the school holidays, so check out our handy guide what it is and how to get the most out of it.
What is Play Rebellion?
Play Rebellion is an outdoor play space aimed at children of all ages. It was originally commissioned by the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead from artist Pippa Hale back in 2019 but first popped up in the city centre in the summer of 2022.
It consists of sixteen one-metre-high foam building blocks in a range of shapes and colours. These blocks can be combined in limitless ways to create towers, buildings, shapes and more – whatever seizes the imagination of the children playing with them. These constructions – in the words of Hale herself – enable kids to ‘reconnect with their creative geniuses’.
Where is it?
Play Rebellion is set up on one of the grass squares in Old Eldon Square, on the side nearest Wagamama and Nandos and adjacent to NE1’s Screen on the Green which offers even more family fun with up to three free films screen every day throughout the school holidays.
When is it open?
Although adverse weather might affect opening times, the Play Rebellion area will be in place from 22nd July to 1st September and open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sundays. Kids are invited to enjoy 30-minute sessions with a maximum of 15 kids per session.
How much does it cost?
Play Rebellion is completely free – the only limit is that each session lasts 30 minutes and a maximum of fifteen children are allowed per session.
Play Rebellion is a really exciting feature of NE1's Summer in the City programme, adding a whole new level of fun to Old Eldon Square for kids to get creative, interact with other children and burn off a little energy in the process. So, if you're looking for some kid-friendly fun this summer, put Play Rebellion on your must-do list.
