The Late Shows return this weekend

Tyneside’s biggest after-hours culture crawl, The Late Shows, is back this weekend on Friday 8 – Saturday 9 May.

Co-ordinated by North East Museums, (formerly Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) and generously sponsored by Creative Central NCL and Stagecoach, The Late Shows will once again showcase the vibrant cultural scene across Newcastle and Gateshead. With 60+ amazing performance spaces, galleries, artists’ studios, heritage sites, and museums, all throwing open their doors for two nights of events, activities and one-off experiences. 

Creative Central NCL continues to support The Late Shows with a series of artist commissions, taking place in buildings opening late into the evening especially for the event. Highlights include Grainger Unplugged, where live music will fill Grainger Market with performances from musicians and bands as visitors explore, eat and shop; Seven Bridges at Discovery Museum, an interactive sound installation by Salt that invites audiences to work together to unlock layered music inspired by the Tyne’s bridges; and True North, a city‑wide poetry trail by Amy Langdown, celebrating Newcastle’s creative spirit across multiple venues and streets.

Vikki Leaney, Project Manager for Creative Central NCL and Economic Development Officer at Newcastle City Council said:

“The Late Shows is one of the best nights in our cultural calendar because it gives everyone the chance to experience creativity in places and ways they might not expect.

“We’re pleased to work with The Late Shows again this year to support artist commissions for local talent and bring new work into familiar city centre spaces. From music in Grainger Market to poetry in the streets and interactive sound at Discovery Museum, this year’s programme shows how artists can help people experience Newcastle and Gateshead in a different way.”

Stagecoach has renewed its support for The Late Shows by supplying new electric vehicles, ensuring the free bus service will be running on both Friday and Saturday evenings. The service offers visitors a comfortable, convenient and environmentally friendly way to travel between the many venues taking part across both evenings. The free buses can be tracked live on the Stagecoach App or website.

Steve Walker, Managing Director at Stagecoach North East, said:

“We’re proud to support The Late Shows once again and help connect people with the incredible cultural offer across Newcastle and Gateshead.

“By providing a free, fully electric bus service across the weekend, we’re making it easier for visitors to explore the event safely, conveniently and sustainably. It’s a fantastic celebration of the North East’s creativity, and we’re delighted to play our part in bringing communities together and supporting local culture.”

Bill Griffiths, Chair of The Late Shows Steering Group and Head of Programmes & Collections at North East Museums, said:

“The Late Shows is about opening cultural venues in new and unexpected ways, inviting people to explore museums, galleries and cultural spaces after hours. From large‑scale commissions to intimate performances, this year’s programme reflects the creativity, collaboration and ambition that runs through Newcastle and Gateshead. With so much happening across the weekend, we hope people will discover something new and enjoy seeing familiar places transformed for the night.”

The Late Shows is a cultural tapas of activities for all ages and interests. Visitors can immerse themselves in fascinating heritage tours, captivating exhibitions, and hands-on craft activities. There are opportunities to witness live demonstrations, be captivated by enthralling performances, and enjoy unique spectacles.

The event will take place on Friday 8 May in the Ouseburn only and on Saturday 9 May it will be in venues across Gateshead and Central Newcastle.

Venues in the Ouseburn Valley and Newcastle are open from 6-10.30pm; Gateshead venues open from 6-10pm.

Getting around on the FREE, accessible electric buses can also be tracked live on the Stagecoach App or website.

Visit www.thelateshows.org.uk for full details and venue listings.