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Must see events for 2023

The North East is preparing for a big 2023, packed with exciting and must see events all over the region. We have done you a favour and listed the top 10 events, in no particular order, that are simply unmissable…

This is Tomorrow Festival

This is Tomorrow festival is the home to all rock/indie alternative live music, with huge acts joining the festival this year, including Foals, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Stereophonics, You Me at Six and many more. This must see festival takes place from the 26th - 28th May 2023, and is located in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park, making it extremely convenient for getting to and from.

Magic Weekend

12 teams, 2 days, 1 super celebration! Expect an electric atmosphere this summer, as Newcastle hosts its seventh Magic Weekend, on the 3rd and 4th June. The city centre will come alive as rugby fans travel from far and wide to visit the iconic St. James’s Park stadium, complete with a buzzing fan zone, and of course a warm welcome from local Geordies.

The Hoppings

Attention Thrill-seekers! Strap in and buckle up, for the North East’s largest fun fair! Full of food, festivities and fairy lights, you will have the best time whizzing on the Waltzers or soaring on the swings. The fun begins on 16th June until the 24th June.

Mouth of the Tyne Festival

Running between 6th-9th July at sites across Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, this popular festival will headline with chart-topping singer songwriter Gabrielle. More artists are soon to be announced. As well as the Priory shows, the festival will include a programme of free street entertainment, including a community parade and special performances at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay.

 

Kubix festival

Pop or rock? You decide! Kubix festival offers a two un-missable days of brilliant music. A day of catchy pop throwbacks, with big names like Betty Boo and the Sugababes, or rock along to the sounds of Squeeze or Marc Almond. Visit this great family friendly event located in Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, on Saturday 15th or 22nd July.

Northern Pride 

Join one of the biggest Pride events in the UK! Pride celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, whilst also recognising challenges that many face on a daily basis. This FREE event is one that can’t be missed! Expect big name acts and an impressive line up, soon to be announced. This captivating weekend kicks off on Saturday 22nd July - 23rd July.

Ladies Day

Ladies day is a staple event in North East social calendar, taking place on Saturday 29th July at Newcastle Racecourse. Filled with electric entertainment, riveting races and fantastic fashion… this day is one to remember. Special Guest, Ronan Keating is also performing live after the races this year!

Kynren – an epic tale of England

The UK’s most spectacular open-air live show, voted one of the top 5 performances to see in the UK by Tripadvisor returns to Durham from Saturday 29th July until Saturday 9th September. This live-action extravaganza will take you on a whistle stop tour of 2,000 years of history, myth and legend.

 

Kynren panel

Kendal Calling

The Kendal Calling festival is a music festival with a difference. Located in Lowther Deer Park, in the beautiful and mountainous Lake District, the setting is perfect for a great mix of genres. The line up this year includes Kasabian, Nile Rogers & Chic, Kaiser Chiefs, Melanie C, Natalie Imbruglia, Example, Rick Astley and KT Tunstall! Yes – it really is that varied, and runs from the 27th to the 30th July.

Loosefest

Experience one the North East’s largest festivals this summer, with huge artists like Sean Paul, Tinie Tempah, and more! This popular event takes place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August and is conveniently located in the heart of Newcastle. Immerse yourself into the sound of pop, techo and house, surrounded by food, friends and a fun fair, for a fun packed day to remember. 

The Great North Run

One of the most famous events in the North East, The Great North Run will thousands of runners from all corners of the earth. If you don't fancy taking part, you can enjoy the atmosphere on the 10th September, supporting participants across the finish line of one of the world’s biggest half marathons. With a huge charitable backing behind the race, the 13.1 mile marathon has been completed by many celebrities and around 43,000 people annually, making it easily one of the North East’s most anticipated events.

 

Great North Run panel

Lumiere

November sees the return of Lumiere to the streets and some less well trodden areas of the historic city of Durham. Attracting thousands to see the dazzling installations, Lumiere is a spellbinding collection of interactive and ingenious light displays. This FREE event runs from 16th to the 19th November.

Kielder Star Gazing

Kielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places to visit under some of the darkest skies in the world. Throughout the year, the Weekend Late Night events provide an opportunity to scour the dark skies, with the monthly Late Night Dark Skies event timed to coincide with the arrival of the new moon when the sky is at its darkest.