March 2024: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle

Paddy Fest @ Times Square 

Paddy Fest makes a welcome return to Newcastle to host four whole days of Irish fun leading up to St Patrick’s Day, which this year is on Sunday March 17^th. On the Thursday, there’s Let’s Play Darts, where the 2,000 tent will be filled with darts players, oompah bands, fancy dress (compulsory!), classic singalong tunes and circus performers. The following night it’s Kroud Karaoke – more fancy dress and mayhem but this time you’re the performers. On Saturday it’s the Super Saturday Six Nations event – more giveaways, more nonsense, and the final match of the Six Nations rugby tournament with France playing England. And finally, on Sunday it’s the Paddy’s Day Bonanza, with bands and DJs, Irish dancers and, erm, a rodeo bull. Tickets prices vary, so check the Paddy Fest website for more info.

14th - 17th March, check website for ticket details

Beauty & The Beast Easter Panto @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Easter Pantos are a regular fixture these days and perfect some family-friendly theatrical fun for the Easter holidays. Tyne Theatre is opting for evergreen story Beauty & The Beast this year and they’ve pulled together a cast of TV and pop faves like Lee from Steps, Barney from Blue Peter, Steve Royle from BGT and Carma from The Dumping Ground. The production team already brought us The Wizard of Oz and Rapunzel so it’s bound to be a blast and they promise jokes, dances, slapstick, songs and lots of audience participation.

30th - 31st, £22 adults, £20 children

Battle of the Burger @ Wylam Brewery

You know we’re getting closer to the summer when Wylam Brewery's legendary food battles become more regular. In March it’s the OG event – Battle of The Burger, where some of the best burger crews from the city go head to head to see who’s serving up the best patties. There’ll be DJs and fine drinks from the brewery, a really lively atmosphere and of course those juicy burgers. The event runs from midday to 11pm on Friday and Saturday and entry is free!

29^th - 30^th March, free entry

Michael McIntyre: Macnificent @ Utilita Arena

Michael McIntyre’s natural habitat is the stand-up stage but he’s been away for the last five years working on other projects – mostly BAFTA-winning TV shows like Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. But now he’s back where he’s most loved, touring his brand new Macnificent in arenas across the country and will doubtless have lots to say about all the strange things that have happened since he last graced our stages. He plays Utilita Arena two nights running, on 15th and 16th March.

15^th - 16^th March, from £56

Happy Mondays @ O2 City Hall Newcastle

Of all the Madchester / Baggy bands, Happy Mondays always seemed to have the most personality and the most innovative sound, working with some great producers and giving us a blend of indie, funk, house, post-punk and more on a series of classic albums and singles. And somehow they’re still with us. So join Shaun Ryder and Bez and the crew for a night of Madchester classics like Step On, Hallelujah, Mad Cyril and the rest. Support comes from fellow travellers Inspiral Carpets and Stereo MCs.

22^nd March, from £46.90

Edward Scissorhands @ Theatre Royal

Matthew Bourne has a reputation for magical dance versions of classic stories, from books to screen, and this adaptation of the much-loved Tim Burton fantasy is no different. Twenty years on since the ballet’s debut , this story of romance and loss still captivates audiences and asks questions about acceptance and belonging. Bittersweet and moving, it’s one of Bourne’s most beloved shows.

27^th March - 6^th April, from £20

Rosie Jones: Triple Threat @ Northern Stage

In a few short years, Rosie  Jones has become a popular TV star – appearing on pretty much every panel show there is, from 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown to The Last Leg – but stand-up is her real domain. This new show promises to be cheeky, fun and joyful – and that’s the promised ‘triple threat’ of the title.

14^th March, £19

Magnum Force Bordeaux Wine Dinner @ Blackfriars

The good people at Blackfriars have been building a stock of Bordeaux Claret for a rainy day and it seems that day is March 22^nd (no guarantees on the weather, though). Their Magnum Force Bordeaux Wine Dinner will match these rare vintages with a delicious and traditional five-course French dinner. Your ticket gets you a drink on arrival, five matched glasses of wine and a coffee to finish.

22^nd March, £95

Live Encounter: Dame Sheila Hancock @ Live Theatre 

Dame Sheila Hancock might resist being called a national treasure but it’s undeniable, we’re afraid: this veteran star of stage and screen – now reinvented as a writer and novelist – is a genuine legend. As part of Live Theatre’s series of Live Encounters, she’ll be joining artistic director Jack McNamara for a conversation about her life and career. From serious theatre like The Cherry Orchard to Shakespeare, from fun like Carry On Cleo and Channel 4’s Great Canal Journeys, Hancock has done it all and doubtless has a host of stories to tell.

7^th March, check website for availability

Wilkinson @ NX

South London’s Wilkinson is a VERY big deal on the global dance circuit: he’s topped dance and regular charts, headlined tours and festivals, played everywhere from Glastonbury to Vegas and torn the roof off all over the world. His propulsive brand of D&B has a massive following and he’s remixed everyone from Rag N Bone Man to Becky Hill. Catch him at NX this March as he gets the whole place jumping.

9^th March, £16

Even by the standards of this great city, March promises to be a month full of remarkable happenings in its theatres, concert halls, comedy clubs and restaurants, and there’s bound to be something to appeal to you and yours in Newcastle. So fire up the internet and get booking!