After four years at Pilgrim Street, Newcastle’s beloved shipping container village STACK have announced its closure - but don’t worry, you have until the second of May to squeeze in one last visit. Or maybe two or three.
Pop in for a quick drink or meal with your friends and enjoy tasty street food from a range of popular local vendors such as Hatch 76, Acropolis and Redheads Mac ‘n’ Cheese, or make a full night out of it with the venue’s live performances, weekly Rock and Pop Quiz and infamous Kroud Karaoke.
NUFC Matches - various dates
It’s a big month for Eddie Howe’s black and white army! Newcastle United have six games to play this April, four of which will take place right at home at St James’ Park. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the brilliant atmosphere and exciting action of a live Premier League football match, purchase your tickets from the NUSU and get ready to cheer on the Magpies.
It’s the Nutcracker, but not as you know it. Don’t miss Matthew Bourne’s wonderfully whimsical reinvention of the classic ballet, in town from the 5th to the 9th at the Theatre Royal. Expect dazzling choreography, plenty of dark wit and lots and lots of pink.
Plus, there are other brilliant productions at the Theatre Royal and the Tyne Theatre Opera House this month if the Nutcracker! isn’t your cup of tea. From the Da Vinci Code to Sasha Velour’s “Smoke & Mirrors Tour”, there’s something for everyone.
Put on your walking boots and join this guided tour on the 5th to discover the inspiration behind the infamous Wall in Game of Thrones: Northumberland’s very own Hadrian’s Wall. While you’ll find that the real thing isn’t actually made of ice and magic, you’ll still be awed by the stunning panoramic views as well as the rich history behind the Roman Empire’s mighty barricade.
Who’s behind the mask? Put your detective skills to the test at Utilita Arena when one of the world’s most popular singing competitions finds itself in the Toon as part of its UK Live Tour with Joel Dommett as host. Tickets are still available for you to have your own go at identifying the mysterious celebrities behind the crazy costumes and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a more unusual night out!
Due to popular demand, Lundgren Tours are running another hiking trip to the idyllic Lake District on the 10th. You can choose between challenging yourself to a fun climb that even includes scrambling on the rocks in order to reach the summit or enjoying a more relaxing activity such as a boat trip around Lake Derwentwater. There’ll also be an opportunity for some free time in the beautiful market town of Keswick, ‘The Queen of the Lakes’. Book your place now to make sure you don’t miss out.
Wylam Brewery’s epic Battle of the Burger is finally back this Easter bank holiday weekend! After the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled due to the pandemic, this year’s is sure to be the biggest and best one yet. More than 10 of Newcastle’s burger vendors will be present at the two-day event held in Exhibition Park and tokens are priced at £4 so you can eat to your heart’s content. Sides, drinks and vegan options will be available plus there’ll be DJs in the evening to get everyone dancing. The only question is… Who will be crowned the best burgers in town?
Wylam Brewery also hosts a range of other events throughout the month, check them out here.
Nothing says spring quite like a cherry blossom tree. Or in the case of Alnwick Garden, 329 cherry blossom trees! Northumberland’s contemporary garden is home to the world’s largest Taihaku Cherry Orchard, and it typically blooms for up to two weeks around the end of April/beginning of May. Words can’t do this extraordinary sight justice so be sure to visit Alnwick Garden to see it for yourself.
If you’re after a wholesome day this Easter, head on down to Ouseburn Farm to meet a piglet, pet a lamb or groom a guinea pig! Ouseburn Farm is a purpose-built barn close to the city centre and you can easily spend several hours there getting close to all the cute animals. There’s a regular event schedule in place but it’s also open for walk-up visits.
Newcastle’s local food markets may be available year-round, but a gyros in the spring sun is even more irresistible. Drop by the historic Grainger Market for a bite from some of Newcastle’s street food vendors such as Cubanos and FED’s Fried Chicken Shop, brighten up a lazy Sunday with a visit to the Quayside Market for tasty food and picturesque views, or take yourself down to Armstrong Bridge in Jesmond Dene the first and third Saturday of the month for a lovely walk and lunch from the city’s most popular traders.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and wouldn’t mind a longer journey, there’s also the buzzing Tynemouth Market at the seaside town’s Metro station. Open every Saturday and Sunday, it’s a perfect stop en route to the beach.
All these markets also offer much more than just good scran - you’ll find stalls selling produce, quality local art and crafts, and other goods that you might not find anywhere else.