The words of the unofficial anthem of Tyneside, The Blaydon Races have been engraved into the newly installed stone seating at the Bigg Market, as part of NE1 Ltd’s Heritage Lottery Funded regeneration of the area. Their presence has prompted debate about the lyrics and the difference between the engraved words and the words people sing on the terraces at St James’ Park.

The date has been set for NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week. It will take place between 21 - 27 January 2019. Over 100 Newcastle city centre based restaurants are lined up to take part, offering the traditional Restaurant Week opportunity of dining in style for £10 or £15 per head.

Who needs chocolate when you can open the door of some of the city’s most famous buildings in NE1’s alternative advent calendar?

Christmas starts in earnest in Newcastle this week with a whole host of new additions to the festive celebrations courtesy of NE1 Ltd who have made it their mission to grow Christmas in the city.