Over two thousand people queued outside of the Civic Centre to have their antiques and family treasures valued by the team of TV experts from BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow.
The Antiques Roadshow was in Newcastle filming an episode for the programme’s 40th anniversary series. The Civic Centre was one of eleven unique locations chosen up-and-down the country including Minehead Railway Station in Somerset, Stormont Estate in Belfast and Cardiff Castle.
People came out in their droves bringing an array of different items including Grandfather clocks, paintings, flower vases, sculptures, jewellery, ceramics and books.
Cllr Linda Wright, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle said: “It was absolutely brilliant! The atmosphere inside the Civic Centre was buzzing, as people were queuing out of the door and almost out of the grounds. I saw visitors walking past carrying an assortment of items from old pictures to even a violin. It’s just wonderful to have the Antiques Roadshow in Newcastle to celebrate its 40th anniversary year.”
The Lord Mayor got the chance to meet Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce. Cllr Wright said: “Fiona was a lovely and busy lady, who took time out to say hello, and even to admire my Mayoral robes, which caught a few people’s eyes.”
Antiques Roadshow presenter, Fiona Bruce, said: “It was great to visit Newcastle Civic Centre. I’ve not been here before. It’s an extraordinary building with magnificent architecture. I’ve never seen anything like it.
“We were on the lookout for some rare Geordie gems and the people of Newcastle didn’t disappoint us. The 40th anniversary series has been a real joy with unpredictable and unexpected events. You never know who you’re going to meet. What they’re going to bring along, and what kind of stories they’re going to tell.”
People can also learn more information about the Antiques Roadshow by visiting @BBCAntiquesRoadshow (Face Book) / @BBC_ARoadshow (Twitter) and www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow
The episode of Antiques Roadshow recorded at the Civic Centre will air on BBC One in the New Year.