A summer of fun is set to begin in Byker this month as a new programme of family-friendly events is unveiled.
Hadrian Square and Shields Road will be a hive of activity throughout the summer with free events on weekends and week days from 20 July until 1 September as part of Newcastle City Council’s Summer on the Square.
People can enjoy circus performers, open-air cinemas, giant sculptures to colour in, a puppet treasure hunt, music festivals and even poolside performances in the East End swimming pool throughout the summer holidays.
'Fantastic free events for people to enjoy'
It all starts on 20 July with the area's first ever open-air cinema showing three back-to-back movies, with deck chairs, bean bags and free popcorn as people settle back and watch Encanto, The Little Mermaid and Dirty Dancing.
Then throughout the course of the summer, lots more activities and colourful events will be held on Hadrian Square for everyone to enjoy.
Cllr Alex Hay, cabinet member for a Thriving City said: “The events are part of the Newcastle East High Streets project and are a direct response to local residents asking for more things to do in the area.
"We also know the cost-of-living crisis and the long summer holidays can be difficult for parents to keep children entertained which is why we’ve put together a really fantastic and diverse programme of free events for people to enjoy in the heart of the east end”.
“Hadrian Square is the perfect spot to put on events and activities and we hope lots of people can join us for what will be a memorable summer in Byker.
"This is also an opportunity to bring much-needed footfall to the area so we’re delighted to be working with high street businesses to promote everything that Shields Road has to offer”.
Kids Go Free
Highlights include Hadrian Square being home to a giant model of a Metro carriage filled with a ball pool on 5 and 6 of August, in partnership with Nexus, as they promote their Kids Go Free offer.
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus, said: “Metro is a great way to get to this fantastic programme of family fun events in Byker this summer.
"Byker Metro station is just a short walk from the venues at Hadrian Square and Shields Road.
"It’s a brilliant Metro day out, and our Kids Go Free offer makes it affordable and easy for families to get active during the summer holidays.
"Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on Metro and the Shields Ferry, all day, every day, when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.”
Music and theatre make a splash
On Saturday 24 August, an all-day music festival, Byker Groove, will showcase local talent with acts from Georgia May, Kay Greyson, The Baghdaddies and many more, with surprise theatrical performances throughout the day.
On Sunday 4 August the square will host a physical theatre circus experience called Rubber Duck! Exploring the concept of uniting through play.
Performances will happen on the square between 10am-12pm as well as physically spilling into the East End Pool where it will be used like never before as one of the stages for the performance.
The East End Pool will also offer a free breakfast club from 8.30am to 10am, Monday to Friday throughout the summer, where children will receive a free breakfast, board games and arts and crafts.
Find out more
For the full programme of events see:
Any children under 11 should be accompanied by an adult and anyone under the age of 16 will require parent or carer consent.