Top May Events

Looking for some fun this May? Jay, our Student Content Creator, has pulled together the unmissable events taking place in Newcastle!

Vintage Folk, Students’ Union

On Thursday 4 May, Vintage Folk are returning to the Students’ Union with all the second-hand clothes you could ask for. With prices ranging from £2 to £20, your summer wardrobe can start coming together at a low cost to the planet and to your bank account. Find the event in the Venue of the Students’ Union, with more information available through their Eventbrite page! 

The Late Shows 2023, across Newcastle

The Late Shows is described as ‘an award-winning, free, late-night culture crawl’, and on the evenings of the 19 and 20 May, the event returns to Newcastle. Over two nights, there’s a staggering 48 events to take part in, all hosted by the venues that make up Newcastle’s cultural life. Enjoy an evening of mural painting, music and poetry at The Biscuit Factory, visit a medieval-style tavern at Newcastle Castle, discover the history of Newcastle Cathedral, and so much more! The only downside is deciding what you can make time for. 

Mexican Stand Off: Taco Heads, Wylam Brewery 

On 26 and 27 May, another food-themed battle royale is taking place at Wylam Brewery. This time, local vendors compete to be named the best Mexican food in town, with countless choices of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and more. Entry to the event is free, but make sure you come prepared to buy some of the fantastic food on offer! 

Eurovision Party, Times Square

The best time of the year is upon us once more – finally, it’s time for the Eurovision Song Contest! Although Newcastle was unfortunately not selected as the host city this year, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the party. On 13 May from 4:00pm until late, there will be a Eurovision Party held at Times Square. Tickets are only £5 and give you access to three hours of live entertainment before the screening of the final begins. Tickets are available to buy now. 

Paint and Picnic, Exhibition Park

For a relaxing break away from your studies, why not join the NUSU Activities Team for an afternoon of painting in Exhibition Park? Bring yourself, some picnic food and your creativity along to the front of the Student’s Union building at 4:00pm on 18 May, before walking to Exhibition Park as a group. All creative supplies are provided and the event is entirely free, so book your space now! 

In Between Days Festival, Times Square

The ‘In Between Days’ music festival is coming to Newcastle, taking place at Times Square between 26 to 28 May. Over the course of three days, amazing musicians such as Tom Walker and Two Door Cinema Club will be performing on stage. The full line up is available on the festival website and tickets are on sale now! 

Student Fundraising Recruitment, Students' Union

Are you looking for new ways to make the most out of your time at university next year? One of the best ways to meet new people is through volunteering with Go Volunteer. Not only will you have an amazing time, but you’ll be making an actual difference to the lives of others. If this sounds appealing and you’d like to know more, join Go Volunteer on 4 May, 12:30pm – 1:30pm in the Kate Adie Room, NUSU as they look to recruit volunteers and project leaders to run student fundraising events next year. 

Humanities and Social Sciences’ Student Showcase, Bamburgh Room

The School of HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) is hosting a Student Showcase on 10 May, 10am – 12pm in the Bamburgh Room. All HASS students are invited to come along and listen to students present their UG and PGT dissertations and research projects. On top of that, there will be talks relating to public speaking delivered by the Academic Skills Team, networking events and free refreshments. 

Celebrating Success Awards 

As the academic year comes to an end, it’s time for celebrations. Throughout May, the annual Celebrating Success Awards are taking place! The Athletic Union are kicking off the ceremonies (pun intended) on 5 May, followed by Community Impact Awards (9 May), Societies Awards (10 May), Media Awards (12 May) and Student Rep Awards (15 May). Although some events are limited to those nominated, make sure to keep an eye out for any tickets on sale so you can go along and support any friends who have been nominated. If you yourself have been shortlisted, a huge congrats and best of luck! 

Written by Jay, third-year English Language student and Student Content Creator.