Newcastle upon Tyne is a city known for its vibrant culture and dynamic community spirit. Every summer, the city comes alive with a series of exciting events and activities, thanks to the NE1 Summer in the City series. Hosted by Newcastle’s Business Improvement District (BID) company, NE1 Ltd., the annual series provides a range of family-friendly activities and pop-up events that appeal to locals and visitors alike.
What is NE1 Summer in the City?
The NE1 Summer in the City series is a collection of free and accessible events designed to encourage people to explore Newcastle during the summer months. The program typically runs from June through to September and is curated to offer something for everyone, from families with young children to adults looking to enjoy the city’s bustling atmosphere. Each year, the event lineup is carefully planned to reflect the diversity of Newcastle, promoting outdoor fun, live performances, and creative activities across the city.
Family-Friendly Activities
At the heart of the NE1 Summer in the City series is its emphasis on family-friendly fun. Throughout the summer, Newcastle becomes a hub for interactive and immersive experiences that are perfect for all ages. Some of the most popular activities include:
Outdoor Play Zones: NE1 creates dedicated play areas across the city, often complete with sandpits, climbing frames, and other exciting installations. Families can take part in free sports, games, and creative activities, giving children plenty of opportunities to enjoy active, outdoor fun.
Street Performances: The streets of Newcastle are transformed into open-air theatres with a variety of live performances, including magic shows, music, puppetry, and storytelling. These pop-up shows provide entertainment that brings smiles to families passing by, often with interactive elements that involve children.
Workshops and Crafts: The series also includes creative workshops for kids and families. From arts and crafts sessions to hands-on science experiments, these workshops offer engaging ways to learn new skills and have fun together.
Waterfront and Riverside Activities: Along the River Tyne, you’ll find water-based events like paddleboarding, boat tours, and even riverside picnics. These activities provide a unique way for families to enjoy the scenic beauty of Newcastle while taking part in something out of the ordinary.
Pop-Up Events Around the City
In addition to the family-focused fun, NE1 Summer in the City is known for its vibrant pop-up events, which are scattered throughout the city’s iconic locations. These pop-ups range from themed food markets to live music performances, and even interactive art installations.
Pop-Up Parks and Gardens: Newcastle’s urban spaces are temporarily transformed into green oases where people can relax, enjoy food stalls, or take part in free fitness classes. These pop-up parks offer a refreshing break from city life and are popular spots for people of all ages to come together.
Cinema Under the Stars: One of the summer highlights is the outdoor cinema experiences that NE1 hosts across popular public spaces like Old Eldon Square. Moviegoers of all ages gather under the stars to watch family-friendly films and classics in a unique open-air setting.
Food and Craft Markets: From local street food vendors to artisanal craft stalls, these pop-up markets offer a delightful taste of Newcastle’s culinary and creative scenes. They’re great for families looking to try something new or pick up a unique souvenir from their day out in the city.
Bringing the Community Together
NE1 Summer in the City is more than just a series of events—it’s a celebration of Newcastle’s community spirit. These events are designed to bring people together, encouraging residents and tourists to rediscover the city in new and exciting ways. The NE1 series showcases the best of what Newcastle has to offer, with a special focus on making the city inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Many of the activities are free, removing barriers to participation and ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy the summer in Newcastle. Whether it’s a family looking for a fun day out, or friends seeking an engaging way to spend an afternoon, the NE1 Summer in the City series has something for everyone.
Conclusion
The NE1 Summer in the City series continues to be one of the most anticipated seasonal events in Newcastle. Its blend of family-friendly activities and spontaneous pop-up events creates a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere throughout the summer. For families looking to make the most of the warmer months, Newcastle’s streets, parks, and waterfront come alive, offering a perfect backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is a summer experience you won’t want to miss.