What’s new and what’s next in the North East for 2026
7th January 2026
New Year. The perfect time to plan adventures worth writing home about.
In our region, that means discovering standout places to visit, electric music festivals, world‑class exhibitions and landmark anniversaries. With continued investment in the future, new and redeveloped venues are opening across the North East. Innovation, growth and progression are on the cards – could 2026 be the year you try something new?
Here, we’re highlighting some great things happening in our area.
Places of interest
Kynren – The Storied Lands, Bishop Auckland
Kynren – The Storied Lands is coming to Bishop Auckland in Summer 2026 and is the most ambitious project yet from the live-action show. This historical theme park will take visitors on a time-travelling adventure through history, myth and legend, with live performances, stunts, immersive storytelling, epic music and cutting-edge technology.
Enormous sets, stunning special effects and a backdrop of Auckland Palace will bring thrilling scenes to life, alongside majestic horses, free-flying birds and other animals that add authenticity. And of course, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England continues Saturday nights, with its 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew.
Grainger Market, Newcastle
Opening in 1835, Grainger Market has morphed into a hub of modern and traditional stalls, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests. In 2026, as part of its restoration project, there will be two new pavilions – impressive spaces for diverse uses, both during the day and into the evening.
The Nun Street Pavilion will feature tiered seating, steps leading to a first-floor dining area and new retail and storage spaces below. The stunning restoration will include an uplifted floor with ceramic tiles and bespoke designs at each exit, showing which street you’re stepping onto. History enthusiasts will be pleased to know that original features are being preserved and reused wherever possible.
Metrocentre, Gateshead
The Metrocentre shopping hall plans a year-long celebration for its 40th birthday. Taking inspiration from picturesque market towns, they’ll develop The Crescent. It will be a warm, welcoming space, offering space to browse and discover brands while enjoying a slower, more sociable area within the centre.
In February, families can discover Peppatown with exciting missions and uncover hidden surprises along the way. And of course, no Peppa celebration would be complete without a (virtual!) muddy puddle or two to jump in. Peppa Pig: Surprise Party is perfect for all fans and is specifically designed for children aged 1–6.
The Discovery Museum, Newcastle
The Discovery Museum showcases the region’s fascinating history of science, industry, and innovation, making it a brilliant destination for curious minds of all ages. Recently, the popular city-centre museum received almost £200,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to create a new exhibition space.
In summer 2026, the first event in this flexible space, Things That Go, will be unveiled. It will run alongside permanent displays, such as Joseph Swan’s pioneering commercial light bulb and the Turbinia, the world’s first steam-turbine-powered ship built on the Tyne.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge celebrates its 25th anniversary
Connecting Gateshead and Newcastle in style, the iconic ‘winking’ Millennium Bridge is a symbol of innovation and design. Famous for its tilting mechanism, it has become a landmark of the Quayside.
In September 2026, the bridge will celebrate its 25th anniversary. It was officially opened in 2002 by Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee and remains one of the region’s most photographed attractions.
National Gaming and E-Sports Arena, Sunderland
The Gaming and Esports Arena is set to open its doors in early 2026, bringing a first-of-its-kind European 5G facility to Sunderland. This cutting-edge arena, right next to Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light, will power the future of esports, hosting major tournaments such as the Esports World Cup and the Olympic Esports Games.
Spanning 15,000 sq. ft, a 200-seat theatre, 17m-wide LED screen, broadcast and editing studios, retail and hospitality spaces, performance rooms and an expansive outdoor activation zone will immerse fans and players alike.
Killhope Lead Mining Museum, Stanhope
Killhope, a nineteenth-century Victorian lead mine, will reopen in 2026 after a major restoration project. The popular visitor attraction allows you to step back in time and experience the life and work of the lead mining families of the Pennine dales.
The restoration work has seen repairs to the underground mine, washing floor, mine shop, buddle house and jigger house. These works are part of a larger effort to protect the museum’s features so future generations can explore this special place.
Kielder
In 2026, Kielder Forest will celebrate its 100th anniversary, with Kielder Castle sitting proudly at its heart. Built by the Duke of Northumberland in the 1770s, the castle now serves as a starting point for outdoor adventures and a community hub for the village of Kielder.
Currently closed while part of the east wing undergoes refurbishment, the castle is expected to reopen in summer 2026. Thanks to funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), visitors can look forward to an improved café entrance, expanded interior space, a more welcoming and accessible entrance area, a better orientation space for planning their day at Kielder and a lift to the first floor.
And the celebrations don’t stop there – the 10th anniversary edition of the Panaracer Dirty Reiver gravel cycling event will take place on the weekend of April 24–26, 2026, at Kielder Forest.
The Light, Aykley Heads, Durham
Set within the historic grounds of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery, The Light will be where art, heritage and science come together to celebrate the county’s creativity and inspire future generations.
Durham Light Infantry belongs to us all and entry will be free of charge. Ready for its opening in 2026, the venue will be lovingly refurbished and expanded to include a dedicated space showcasing treasured objects from the DLI Collection, an exhibition centre and gallery and a welcoming café. Beyond the building, the grounds will be enhanced to create a reflective garden where visitors can pause, connect and remember.
Culture House, Sunderland
Opening early 2026, Culture House Sunderland is the National Centre for Creative Smart Cities. The multi-purpose cultural venue will also house the City Library.
Packed with interactive digital features and a year-round programme of fun activities, enjoy digital murals, AR Tours, gamified cultural scavenger hunts, a 360-degree digital storytelling studio and an Inventors Lab.
Region of Gastronomy
Freight Island, Newcastle
In 2026, step into Freight Island Newcastle, a new dining and entertainment destination inspired by Coney Island in New York and Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. By day, bring the family to enjoy exciting events and sample global street food. As night falls, the atmosphere transforms into a playground of high-energy DJ sets and live performances.
Freyja, Hexham
In autumn 2026, experience the new restaurant, Freyja, created by chef Alex Nietosvuori and his wife Ally, the team behind Michelin-starred Hjem. Located on the Close House Estate, Freyja is inspired by a Victorian walled garden and named after the Norse goddess of love, fertility and battle. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce, direct from the garden and the nearby area.
Just below the restaurant, a single storey building with a wildflower roof houses twelve bedrooms. Extend your visit with an overnight stay and wake up to a special breakfast served the following morning.
Pablo’s, Newcastle
It’s hard to describe just how good a bao bun is from Pablo’s, but if you know, you know! They’ve already sprinkled the bao dust across Whitley Bay, Sunderland and Newcastle, and in 2026, they’re opening a new flagship store on Pilgrim Street in Newcastle upon Tyne.
STACK, Durham
It’s Durham’s turn… plans are in place for STACK to build its empire and open a two-storey venue, complete with a roof terrace at Newgate Street. Like all STACKs before it, the mixed-use building will house local independent food traders and bars, as well as a space used for a wide variety of live entertainment.
Flat Iron, Jesmond
For all you meat lovers, Flat Iron plans to convert the former Co-operative Bank premises on Grey Street in the heart of Newcastle into one of its latest sites. The affordable steak concept, which already operates 18 other restaurants around the UK, is due to open later in 2026.
Tantara, Jesmond
Opening in 2026, Tantara is a Bengali bistro inspired by the timeless cabins of old Calcutta. It will bring the warmth, charm and lively chatter of a bygone era to modern Newcastle, paired with mouth-watering dishes that celebrate authentic flavours.
Effervescent events
Take in a show
The North East’s stages are packed with top productions throughout the year. At Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, highlights include Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Apr 6–11), Legally Blonde the Musical (May 12–17), Annie (Aug 4–8), and Mrs Doubtfire (Sept 23–Oct 11). Over at Sunderland Empire, see Matilda (Feb 11–28), Mean Girls (Apr 6–11), and Dirty Dancing (Sept 22–26).
Turn up the volume
Sunderland takes centre stage from May 22–24 as BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend brings thousands of fans to Herrington Country Park for one of the UK’s biggest live music spectacles. On Saturday, May 23, North Shields will host the fourth edition of A Stone’s Throw Festival: a full-day, multi-venue celebration of new music across one of the region’s most exciting coastal towns. A day later, on 24 May, Country fans can rejoice at the Road to Nashville at Times Square.
And the summer keeps delivering: For In the Park at Exhibition Park, Lewis Capaldi plays on 8 July, while Paul Weller takes the headline spot on July 10. Coast Fest, Loosefest and Newcastle’s Noughty 90s Festival on August 29 will end the season on a high.
Bowled over
Durham will host a trio of major international cricket fixtures at the Riverside Ground in 2026. England Women face New Zealand Women in a One Day International on Sunday 10 May, followed by England Men taking on India in the T20 International on Wednesday 1 July. The season concludes with England Men versus Sri Lanka in a One Day International on Tuesday 22 September.
Annual treats
From 15 – 18 January, Newcastle NE1’s Restaurant Week kicks off the year with over 100 venues offering the chance to indulge at some of the city’s best eateries. National Stottie Week follows in February, celebrating the North East’s iconic stottie bread through baking classes, creative writing workshops, community gatherings and themed walks, organised by The Big River Bakery. In May 2026, The Late Shows return with their award-winning late-night culture crawl across Newcastle and Gateshead. Art lovers can peek into art studios, galleries and museums, and historic buildings host interactive events.
Summer Northern Pride at the Town Moor on Saturday 19 July is the largest LGBTQ+ festival in the North East. August features Pride in Gateshead and Newcastle Mela, a two-day festival showcasing South Asian heritage through music, food and entertainment. The season culminates with the Great North Run Weekend on Sunday 13 September, the world’s biggest half-marathon. Alongside the main event, the weekend includes the Mini and Junior Great North Runs, making it a celebration for all ages.