Tyneside prepares for a big weekend of late-night culture

The Late Shows – Tyneside’s annual free after-hours culture crawl – returns for its 15th edition this weekend, on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May. 

Co-ordinated by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, the event brings together over 40 arts, culture and heritage venues to open their doors later than usual and offer short taster activities, to encourage visitors to sample as much of the diverse line-up as possible. 

Late Shows features a wide range of activities including heritage tours, exhibitions, craft activities, demonstrations, performances, and one-off spectacles. 

Bill Griffiths, Chair of the Late Shows Steering Group and Head of Programmes & Collections at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said:  

“The Late Shows is a rare chance to see the best of Tyneside’s daytime cultural scene, at night! We're really looking forward to seeing the exciting activities and experiences the brilliant cultural venues in Newcastle and Gateshead are offering across the weekend. Many of this year’s venues have been a part of the event since it started but we are delighted to welcome many new and also, some returning venues this year too.  We hope people join us for what we can promise will be a fantastic couple of nights out!”  

The event will take place on Friday 19 May in the Ouseburn only and on Saturday 20 May it will be in venues across central Newcastle, the quayside and Gateshead.  

Venues in the Ouseburn Valley and Newcastle are open from 7-11pm; Gateshead venues open from 6-11pm. 

Free accessible buses are available to help visitors get around The Late Shows. See www.thelateshows.org.uk for full details.