After the phenomenal success of the first event last year, NE1’s Quayside Carnival will return on Saturday 22ndAugust and this year it is going to be bigger and better.
A full road closure will provide a larger stage for the carnival, which this year will double in size with additional zones made possible through support from Freight Island and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
From 11am to 4pm, Newcastle will be in full carnival spirit with the free, family event. The Quayside will be teaming with entertainment and fun from outside the Guildhall to past Wesley Square, extending into neighbouring streets and businesses all the way to the Blacksmith’s Needle sculpture.
Over 10,000 people enjoyed last year’s event and NE1 is expecting even larger crowds to come down and enjoy the Quayside Carnival and all the free fun on offer for families.
A series of nine entertainment zones will animate the Quayside offering a range of experiences and activities from circus performers to K-POP tribute bands to dance classes, creative sessions and Pokémon trading corners, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
As visitors explore the Quayside Carnival they will be entertained along the route by roving performers, face painting stations, glitter and bubble artists and circus acts. There will even be a roaming caricature artist producing free portraits.
Silent Disco powered by Freight Island
Brand new for this year, don't miss the Silent Disco powered by Freight Island. Pop on a pair of headphones, choose your favourite channel and dance along to feel-good hits, family favourites and party anthems. Whether you're showing off your best moves or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it's guaranteed to be a memorable experience on the day.
Circus Performances & Workshops
Professional world-class circus entertainers, Let’s Circus will be back in full force with aerial trapeze and crowd-thrilling performers. As well as awe-inspiring live performances for everyone to enjoy, kids will be able to join in the fun with free circus workshops offering the chance to learn incredible tricks and circus skills, no booking required.
Roaming circus entertainment will also fill the streets, providing an amazing spectacle throughout the carnival.
Live Stage Entertainment
Located in front of the Law Courts, a large live stage will provide a dedicated entertainment hub, with a packed programme of live performances throughout the day. Character favourites from Moana, Toy Story and Frozen will join talented singers, dancers and performers to entertain the crowds, while a high-energy K-Pop Demon Hunters tribute act will get the day off to a flying start with a performance at 11am. Between stage performances, the fun will continue with foam parties, dancing, interactive entertainment and plenty more family fun throughout the day.
Make and Take Zone
Arts and craft activities will be on offer throughout the Carnival with festival badge making, friendship bracelet making, and shell painting. The creative zone will provide plenty of inspiration to encourage festival goers of all ages to get creative. With no booking required, people can come and go as they please.
Active Zone at the Swirle
Festival goers will also be able to get involved and get moving at the Active Zone with dancing, Zumba, yoga and lots more! Taster sessions will be available all day with lots of new and different activities on offer for young and old alike. The UK’s leading dance centre, Dance City will be offering expert tuition in a range of dance disciplines. Yoga Therapies will also be on hand to encourage would-be yogis to get onto the mat and to enjoy a yoga session whether as a novice or a seasoned yoga enthusiast. All sessions must be pre-booked ahead of the event to secure a place on the day.
Challenge Zone
The incredible 30ft climbing wall is returning offering festival goers a challenge to scale new heights and enjoy elevated views of the Quayside. The Army will be putting festival goers through their paces with the Hang Tough Challenge while the Royal Air Force Air Cadets will be offering a more dextrous challenge with paper plane making sessions. Back by popular demand, crazy golf also returns, offering a fun challenge for all ages.
Newcastle Card Show Collectors Corner
A brand new addition to this year's Quayside Carnival, the Card Trading Zone is set to be a must-visit for Pokémon fans and trading card enthusiasts.
Delivered in partnership with Newcastle Card Show and hosted inside KAEFER, the dedicated space gives collectors the chance to buy, swap and trade cards with fellow enthusiasts, discover new additions for their collections and meet like-minded fans. Away from the hustle and bustle of the carnival, it's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the world of trading cards before heading back out to enjoy the rest of the day's entertainment.
Day Out By Bus Zone
The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority will be bringing one of its brand-new electric buses to the Quayside Carnival, inviting visitors to climb aboard for a unique family experience. In partnership with Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Books, families can enjoy interactive storytelling inspired by places across Newcastle and the wider North East, encouraging little explorers to discover adventures waiting just a bus ride away. The experience will showcase just how easy, sustainable and enjoyable it is to travel by bus while inspiring families to explore more of the region together.
River Tours with Tyne Cruises
Following the huge success of last year's river tours, NE1 has partnered exclusively with Tyne Cruises to offer visitors the chance to be among the first to experience The Canny Lass, the company's brand-new 98-passenger catamaran, ahead of its official launch this August. Festival-goers can enjoy an unforgettable sightseeing taster cruise along the River Tyne, taking in Newcastle iconic waterfront from a whole new perspective aboard one of the city's newest attractions. With places expected to be snapped up quickly, advance bookings are essential via getintonewcastle.co.uk.
Mocktail Making Sessions
Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant will be taking part in the festival fun for the first time, offering free mocktail making sessions with one of their talented team of bartenders. Guests will be introduced to the world of mocktails, exploring different flavours, ingredients and textures. Kids will get the chance to complete a fun activity sheet to design their own mocktail, before bringing it to life. Kids eat free at Gino’s during the Carnival, so it is a great chance to fuel up before heading out to enjoy more of the festivities.
These sessions need to be pre-booked via Eventbrite.
Gino’s will also be providing plenty of other in-venue entertainment from face-painting, roving entertainers and meet and greets with costume characters.
Many of the businesses on and around the Quayside will be getting into the Carnival spirit. DOOD are bringing their kitchen outside with a free, BBQ, while just up the road, Hotel Malmaison will be offering an authentic lemonade stand, perfect for quenching the thirst after all the excitement of the day.
There will be a whole host of free Carnival games, activities and family favourites to be enjoyed along the Quayside including coconut shy stands, free candy floss, hook a duck and hula hoops.
Rachel Fenwick, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1, said: “Last year’s Quayside Carnival exceeded all expectations. We knew there was a real appetite for a large-scale free family event on the Quayside, but the response was incredible. The atmosphere was electric, the streets were packed, and it proved just how much people value opportunities to celebrate their city. The success made one thing clear, we had to bring it back, and this year it’s going to be bigger, bolder and better than ever.
“We’ve partnered with Freight Island and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to bring even more experiences, entertainment and family activities to this year's event, while shining a spotlight on more of the fantastic businesses that make this part of the city so special. Last year, many of the businesses along the carnival route were amazed by the crowds and the event’s success. This year, they're ready to throw themselves into the celebrations, helping to create an unforgettable day.
“The Quayside Carnival is fast becoming one of the highlights of the city’s event calendar, so put the date in your diary, you don’t want to miss it.”
Dan Morris CEO of Freight Island, said: “We want Freight Island to play an active role in the city beyond our own doors. Being part of Newcastle means supporting the events like this and the people and organisations that bring it to life.
“The Quayside Carnival is a brilliant free day out for families and a great example of the city coming together. We’re proud to support it, bring something new to the programme with the Freight Island Silent Disco, and give families another reason to spend the day in Newcastle.”
Eventbrite to all bookable links - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/newcastle-ne1-ltd-25421013121
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