Full line up revealed for The Late Shows
One of the biggest events in Newcastle and Gateshead's cultural calendar, The Late Shows will return on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May 2025, with over 70 vibrant venues taking part.
The free after-hours culture crawl facilitated by North East Museums (formerly Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) and generously sponsored by Creative Central NCL and Stagecoach, will feature a diverse array of music and performance venues, art studios, galleries, and museums across Newcastle and Gateshead.
The two-day event – now in its 17th year, offers participants the opportunity to curate their own cultural experience and explore a rich tapestry of activities at their own pace.
Bill Griffiths Head of Programmes & Collections at North East Museums, said:
“We are excited to unveil the programme for The Late Shows 2025. With over 70 venues participating, this year promises to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Creative Central NCL and are thrilled to have Stagecoach on board, providing the free shuttle bus services that enhance both the accessibility and sustainability of the event. The Late Shows guarantees a weekend filled with extraordinary after-hours experiences, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone.”
The event will take place on Friday 16 May in the Ouseburn (6-10.30pm) and on Saturday 17 May it will be in venues across Gateshead (6-10pm) and central Newcastle 6-10.30pm).
A selection of highlights from the programme for 2025:
Friday 16 May – Ouseburn only
· Crafts & Ice Cream at Shieldfield Art Works: A creative evening with crafting, community garden relaxation, ice cream, and lemonade, while contributing to the new "Creating Fallow" arts program.
· Late Night at the Farm Yard: Feed, Play, Feast!: Experience Ouseburn Farm after dark with animal feeding, farmyard games, and delicious food and drinks for a unique city-rural evening.
· Victoria Tunnel Taster Tours: Delve into Newcastle's hidden history with short tours of the Victoria Tunnel, exploring its Victorian engineering and wartime shelter stories.
· Make & Mend-Along at the space: Join a creative evening of comics, zine making, collage, and sustainable shopping with Paper Jam Comics Collective and Make & Mend Market, supporting St Oswald’s Hospice.
Saturday 17 May – Gateshead
· BEE DJ in the NORTH at Vane: An atmospheric and danceable live set by Berlin artist Jorn Ebner, featuring bee sound samples and a vibrant, bee-inspired performance, alongside a bee waggle dance workshop.
· Revamp and Recycle with Gateshead Libraries, Arts & Heritage: Learn sustainable fashion skills through vinyl offcut design, embellishments, and embroidery, transforming old wardrobe items into new favorites.
· Gateway Studio hosts Then, Now and HERE: Black and Global Majority heritage in dance, arts and cultural expression: Immerse yourself in an exhibition celebrating Black and Global Majority cultural heritage through sights, sounds, talks, and creative dance performances.
Saturday 18 May – Newcastle
· Cobalt Central NCL Cobalt takeover: Enter an immersive exhibition of words and thoughts by artist Graeme, contribute your own art to the walls, and enjoy music from L.A.D’s pop-up while exploring the space.
· Newcastle Cathedral Torchlit Churchyard Tours: Uncover the mysteries and stories of those buried in Newcastle Cathedral's churchyard on a torchlit tour, exploring local legends and historical figures.
· Press Play at Tyneside Cinema: Immerse yourself in film history with archive exploration, chats with heritage guides, family-friendly animation activities, and themed cocktails for adults.
· THE HERDS @ Great North Museum: Hancock: Contribute to a large-scale collaborative artwork inspired by THE HERDS, exploring the museum after hours with Moving Parts Arts.
The full program, including a map of all participating venues, is available at https://thelateshows.org.uk/20...
