We’re sorry to break it to you, but the dying days of summer are on the horizon. This month’s sunny weather has been a blessing for getting outside and enjoying all the delights of the city without having to bring three different kinds of outerwear just in case the weather doesn’t play ball.
NE1’s Summer in the City activities and events on the Quayside have been glorious, with activities ranging from storytelling sessions for kids to mindful meditation and energetic exercise classes for adults, plus our Screen on the Green free outdoor films continue to delight both those on their lunch-break and families heading to town for the day.
So, before the nights draw in and the autumn comes knocking, here are a few great activities and events you can still enjoy…
If the thought of flinging yourself off the Tyne Bridge and zooming down to the Quayside attached to a bit of cabling fills you full of glee, then the Tyne Bridge Zip-Line is for you! It’s a genuinely thrilling and not a bit terrifying (in a good way) experience, that’ll have you saying “again again” as soon as you’ve reached terra firma. This year marks the first time willing participants have been able to do the Zip-Line experience since 2019, and there are just a handful of opportunities left for the year, with slots available on 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th and 29th August. Priced at £35, it’s a fantastic high adrenalin activity!
If your Summer has been a frantic one, make some time for yourself with a guided meditation session that will bring you back down to earth. Sessions run for half an hour at 8.30am on Monday 22nd and 29th August, and also at 7pm on 1st September. If a relaxing yoga session is more your thing, there are a couple of opportunities to join Yoga Therapies for a calming session overlooking the tranquil Tyne; Tuesday 23rd and 30th August will see lunchtime sessions starting at 12pm – perfect for that ‘quick fix’ during a frantic work day – plus early evening sessions on Thursday 25th August and 1st September from 6pm, and a spectacular Saturday Sunrise Flow 9am session on 20th and 27th August and 3rd September. If you’d rather raise your pulse level, join the City Baths’ high-energy HIIT Classes, which include short bursts of intense exercise, perfect to get you fighting fit! The classes run from 6pm on Monday 22nd and 29th August.
If you’re new to the city or just fancy learning more about the wonders on your doorstep, the City Guides’ free tours will be just the thing. Their guided tour of All Saints Church on Thursday 25th August will be full of fascinating insight into the beautiful 18th Century church located on Pilgrim Street. The church is full of interesting features, including a distinctive spire, beautiful elliptical nave and an imposing Doric portico.
See the Quayside from a new perspective with Newcastle Arts Centre’s drawing workshop for adults, taking place on Friday 26th August from 2pm-4pm when their expert tutors will be on hand to help you render the scenery on paper. On another creative tip, why not make it a summer to remember with a personalised postcard printing workshop on Monday 29th August. Delivered by Little Biscuit, you can choose your own design and create a masterpiece!
Elsewhere in the programme, there are loads of activities to encourage your creativity. Friday 19th August sees Windows Music Academy host a ukulele workshop for all ages, ideal for beginners you’ll learn everything from first chords to writing a song! Young members of the family can join Seven Stories’ hugely popular Tales on the Tyne sessions on Tuesday 23rd and 30th August at 12pm, where they can get lost in the magic of storytelling (and you can have a good rest!)
Also a great activity for kids to work off a bit of steam and get their little brains working, Play Rebellion is located at Old Eldon Square and will be in place until 4th September. Comprising of 16 one-metre foam cubes which break down into fun shapes like polygons, rectangular prisms and cylinders to be configured into endless combinations to create sculptures, forts, bridges, playscapes and games. The fun and interactive experience is great for families and encourages problem-solving and motor skills in youngsters (and oldsters!) too.
Also at Old Eldon Square, the Screen on the Green outdoor pop-up film screenings continue until 4th September, and make for a perfect pit-stop during a busy day in town. Expect big blockbusters like The Greatest Showman (29th August, 12pm), The Phantom of the Opera (29th August, 6pm), Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone (31st August, 6pm) and Bohemian Rhapsody (22nd August, 6pm) plus family classics like Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (24th August, 12pm), Frozen (27th August, 12pm), The Secret Life of Pets (31st August, 12pm), Moana (1st September, 12pm) and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (3rd September, 6pm) among many others.
The Bank Holiday Saturday promises a riot of colour, music and performance as Mela In The City brings all the excitement of the celebration of Asian cultures to Grey’s Monument and Grey Street. Expect world-class performers from the British Asian community, including brass band Bombay Baja, circus duo Witty Look and dance company Balbir Singh Dance’s stunning performance of The Two Fridas, plus arts, crafts, henna tattoos, Spice FM Radio’s Roadshow and much more.
In early September, the Dragon Boat Race returns to Newcastle’s Quayside for a thrilling and fun-filled day of racing down the River Tyne. Teams of 11 or 16 fearless paddlers (plus one drummer to keep rhythm) will take to the waters in the dragon-shaped boats, with heats running throughout the day. An ideal team-building exercise for workmates, or just a fun activity for solo adrenalin junkies or small groups, places are able to be booked individually as you’ll join a collective team. If you don’t fancy racing yourself, the Dragon Boat Race makes for a great day out as a spectator too and there’s plenty of activities on the Quayside to enjoy from face painting to market stalls, games and food.
The last hurrah of the Summer is surely one of the biggest; Sunday 11th September will see this year’s Great North Run kick off from Newcastle, as thousands of intrepid runners, joggers and walkers take up the challenge of the UK’s biggest half marathon. The city comes alive with activity as people cheer on their friends and families and the Quayside is positively buzzing. Keep an eye out for the iconic Red Arrows flypast over the Tyne Bridge at 11am!
As you can see, there’s no better place to be than Newcastle to see out the final days of Summer. So, before you pull the winter woolies out of your cupboard, head to the city to enjoy activities for all the family!
