Metrocentre Fan Fest brings a slice of Hollywood to Gateshead

Calling all pop culture fans! Metrocentre Fan Fest is coming to Gateshead on 26 and 27 July, promising an action-packed weekend of TV, film, gaming and Comic-Con fun – and the chance to star in your own movie moment with the incredible Bullet Time Camera Rig.

Taking place across Exhibition Square and Town Square, this two-day celebration invites fans of all ages to step into the world of entertainment.

From surprise encounters with roaming characters and jaw-dropping vehicles to interactive experiences like the cinematic Bullet Time selfie zone and live stage talks, Fan Fest is set to transform Metrocentre into a buzzing hub of pop culture celebration.  Whether you’re a Jurassic Park enthusiast, a Stranger Things fan or a Marvel Universe devotee, there’s something for everyone.

Helen Atkinson, Metrocentre Marketing Manager, said:  “We’re delighted to bring Fan Fest, a Comic-Con inspired event, to Metrocentre. With iconic movie vehicles, live stage talks from popular YouTubers, and exciting interactive zones, it promises to be an exciting event. Unlike other similar events we are not charging an admission fee, so we are expecting a fantastic atmosphere across the weekend and know it’s going to be a huge hit with fans, shoppers and families alike.” 

Epic Photo Opportunities 

There’s the opportunity to snap a selfie with some of the most iconic vehicles in on-screen history:  

• Jurassic Park Jeep 
• Stranger Things Police Truck 
• Back to the Future DeLorean 
• Star Wars Landspeeder 

Live Stage Talks 

Fan Fest also features insightful live stage talks with two of YouTube’s popular pop culture voices, Paul Tweddle, creator of Heavy Spoilers, from Cleadon, and Matt from Superhero Nexus. The pair will dive deep into fan-favourite franchises, including House of the Dragon, Superman, Marvel Universe and Star Wars across the weekend.

Saturday 26 July 

• 12pm: Jurassic Park 
• 2pm: Star Wars 
• 4pm: House of the Dragon

Sunday 27 July 

• 12pm: Stranger Things 
• 2pm: Superman 
• 4pm: Marvel Universe 

Talks run at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm each day. Seats can be booked via Metrocentre’s website at just £2 per person, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Heart Unit Foundation (CHUF).  

Charlotte Campbell, CHUF Director of Fundraising and Operations, said: “We’re so excited to be part of Metrocentre’s Fan Fest – it’s a brilliant celebration of pop culture, and a fantastic opportunity for CHUF to raise vital funds and awareness for children with serious heart conditions. Our amazing team of volunteers will be at the entrances of the malls with collection buckets and free CHUF stickers, helping to spread the word about our #MyScarIsMySuperpower campaign, which celebrates the strength and resilience of the children we support.”

Awesome Trading Stalls  

Visitors can browse an incredible selection of collectables, fan art, merchandise and rare finds from local creatives and pop culture vendors.

Interactive Zones  

• Bullet Time Camera Rig – Step into the action with this immersive freeze-frame experience from Sunderland-based tech company. Perfect for unforgettable cinematic selfies!  
• Gaming and Gashapon Zone by Namco Funscape – Play arcade favourites, win prizes and explore the world of capsule toy surprises in this fun-packed area for all ages.

Paul Tweddle, creator of the Heavy Spoilers YouTube channel, added: “I’m really excited to be part of Metrocentre Fan Fest. Events like this are such a great way to bring fans together to celebrate the stories and characters we all love. Being from the North East, it’s amazing to see such a huge pop culture event happening right here in the region. It’s going to be a brilliant weekend and I’m looking forward to meeting fellow fans.” 

Event details 

Dates: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 2025 

Location: Exhibition Square & Town Square, Metrocentre, Gateshead 

Stage talks: £2 per session (all proceeds to CHUF)