Families flock to new town centre event space

The first celebration at Gateshead Council's new pop-up event space in the town centre proved popular over the bank holiday weekend with local residents. 

On Sunday, families flocked to the all-day event to mark the launch of the new destination in the Railway Quarter, which recently underwent a big revamp complete with vibrant artwork created by MarkOne87, Sune and Ida4 alongside local groups.  

Throughout the day, residents got hands on with a range of workshops led by local creatives. There was everything from spray-painting with Elements Arts and DJ workshops with Northern Pulse to banner making with Bianco Perry, puppet making with Life and Limb Puppets and flower arranging with Bloomhead. 

Outstanding food and drink from local traders was also in big supply. Residents were spoilt for choice with options from the likes of El Rancho, Sajis Restaurant, Sun of Seitan, Flankman, Di Meo's and Cakeoholics by Claire.   

There were also plenty of live performances to keep the crowds entertained including music by Gateshead College students and Side by Side Arts, an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, drumming workshops, cookery displays and several sets by aspiring DJs from the Arches project and Method Lounge. 

Lindsay Murray, Service Director Economic Development and Regeneration, commented: "We were delighted to see so many people come down and have a really memorable day in the sunshine, whilst seeing local businesses at the event busy and bustling. This just goes to show the impact of public murals on instilling pride in communities and improving spaces. We have bold plans to regenerate Gateshead town centre, and this is just the beginning." 

Egle Dubinkaite, founder of Bloomhead, added: "It was incredible to see Gateshead town centre come alive. The mix of art, music, food and workshops created such an energetic atmosphere - a real celebration of the town's heritage and its growing creative scene." 

The new space forms part of the council's ambitious regeneration plans and growing momentum to transform the town centre. Last week, the council announced a new creative project which will see Electrik Sheep - a partnership between Prefab77 and Mul - bring together street artists and residents to transform the area with a series of colourful murals.  

A separate project is also planned with MarkOne87 to bring colourful murals across the borough. 

This builds on the council recently being awarded internationally-recognised Purple Flag status for their efforts to make visiting the town centre a safer, more appealing experience, as well as launching a bid for Town of Culture 2028, backed by the local creative community.