NE1 is bringing back its popular Stay & Play zone to Old Eldon Square this summer in partnership with Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator. Stay & Play was a new addition to NE1’s summer activities last year, operating alongside the award-winning Screen on the Green and Tiny Toon.
Following the success of last year’s summer activities in Old Eldon Square delivered by NE1, which attracted more than 110,000 people and generated a £2.3 million economic boost for businesses in the city, the free family entertainment will return throughout the summer holidays.
NE1’s Stay & Play was one of the busiest and most well-used spaces at Old Eldon Square. Located directly in front of Nando’s and Wagamama, this year, NE1 has teamed up with Stagecoach to build on that success, introducing new elements to the area including a range of transport and bus-themed games, activities and interactive experiences.
Stagecoach will also be hosting free events and activities in the zone throughout the summer with give-aways and transport themed fun.
Launched last year, Stay & Play proved an instant hit with families providing a free, fun-filled space featuring colourful seating, relaxed social spaces and a host of interactive games, sandpits and activities for families and children of all ages to enjoy.
As a free drop-in destination for families, it was ideal for those visiting NE1’s other summer activities in the square including watching movies at Screen on the Green, imaginative play at NE1’s Tiny Toon, or simply providing a space to relax while spending time in the city centre.
All NE1 activities at Old Eldon Square are free to access, do not need to be booked, and offer families something to enjoy and to keep coming back to throughout the summer.
Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, said: "We’re delighted to partner with NE1 to support Stay & Play and help bring even more free family activities to the heart of Newcastle this summer. As a business that connects communities across the region, we’re proud to play a role in creating memorable experiences for local families while making it easier and more affordable to travel into the city.
"Through our Take the Kids for Free initiative and our involvement in Stay & Play, we’re helping families enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer during the school holidays."
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive at NE1 said: “We’re delighted to welcome Stagecoach on board as zone partners for Stay & Play this summer. We’ve been working closely with their team over the past few months to develop a vision for the space that complements the wider Old Eldon Square summer programme. Collaborating with Stagecoach is a natural partnership given their huge presence across the region and their offer of unlimited free bus travel for children throughout the school summer holidays. The collaboration provides an affordable and sustainable way for families to travel into the city by bus to enjoy the Stay & Play zone and all the free family fun at Old Eldon Square.
“Not surprisingly, Stay & Play became a firm favourite with families last summer, and this year thanks to Stagecoach, we’re adding even more interactive and themed elements to make it bigger, brighter and more exciting for visitors of all ages. Some of these elements will be inspired by our new partners, so look out for our exciting transport-themed additions. We know families will love them and will have a lot of fun spending time in the space this summer.”
All NE1 summer activities at Old Eldon Square will operate daily. Monday to Saturday from 11am – 5pm and Sundays 9am – 4.30pm with the first hour offering a calmer, more relaxed experience for children and families who prefer a quieter environment.
NE1’s Screen on the Green returns on Monday 29th June, with Stay & Play and Tiny Toon running from Monday 20th July until Monday 31st August.
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