| When you think of Newcastle, it's generally the Quayside with
Millennium Bridge and the Baltic which comes to mind. However
just east of the city centre is the Ouseburn area. The area
is undergoing major regeneration. I first visited the area in April
2007. I'd been along the Quayside in Newcastle on several
occasions and seen signs for Ouseburn and been a bit curious.
I did some research and thought I'd investigate further. The
area describes itself as "a vibrant mix of culture, creative and
social activities steeped in a rich industrial heritage." The
annual Ouseburn Festival
is running Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 July 2007. There are street
performances, children's entertainers, family workshops and a
parade on the Sunday. |
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It takes around 20 minutes to walk there from the Quayside.
If you use the Metro it's a 15 minute walk from either Manors
or Byker. Buses 12. 39, 40, 61 and 62 from Blackett Street go
to Ouseburn. Or there's the Quaylink Q2 from the Haymarket.
There's a fair sized free car park at Ouseburn Valley if you
drive.
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The Biscuit
Factory is billed as the UKs largest original art store, in a
converted biscuit factory. It definitely has more of the feel of a
retail outlet as soon as you enter the building with a very sleek
modern interior. The exhibits are displayed over two floors, with
some artists having small areas dedicated to their work. There was
an area laid out with works soon to be auctioned. There is a
brasserie and a cafe and toilet facilities.
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| The Artwork
Galleries
describes itself as the biggest single floor art gallery in the
North East, houses in a former TV studio. It prides itself on its
“raw and unpretentious approach to art”. It was pretty
plain with white walls and a feeling of spaciousness. The art was
mainly arranged by the artist with a short bio of the artist by the
side. The artists rent a space from the gallery so the gallery does
not take commission on art sales. This is done to make the art more
affordable. What I really liked was that there were pieces of paper
and pencils all around where you could write comments to the artist
and post your comments in the appropriate box. There was a small
self service cafe and toilet facilities. |
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I visited Seven Stories
the National Centre of Children’s Books in April 2007.
I was really impressed by it and I’m sure that our sons
would have loved it when they were younger. This is a place you
should really must visit with your kids, grandchildren, nieces,
nephews as basically all kids and accompanying adults, will have a
wonderful time here. Seven Stories aims to be the UKs national home
for children’s literature in an extremely interactive way.
The centre is brimming with books, recreated scenes from books,
high tech digital media, storytelling sessions, original
manuscripts, exhibitions, dressing up props and creative
activities. There are also quiet corners where you can just sit and
read a book. This is a place to revel in books and reading. The
Bookshop has an extensive selection of kid’s books.
Seven Stories is so named because it is reckoned that there are
seven basic plots for stories and the building, a converted
Victorian granar, also has seven stories. |
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The Round is a new
theatre providing access for all to high-quality,
unpretentious drama and performances. The theatre is due to open in
July 2007. It will be the only theatre-in-the-round in the
North-East, and one of only a handful in the UK. The theatre will
seat 180 and includes a café-bar, box office, glass-roofed
atrium and office space. Bruvvers Theatre Company will be
the resident company. Bruvvers have been touring to schools and
disadvantaged communities in the North East for the last 35 years.
The venue will specialise in children’s and educational
theatre, while also providing a full programme of comedy, music,
youth theatre, cabaret, musicals, dance and drama. |
The Stars and Shadows
Cinema aims to show truly independent programme of
inspirational films. It is a members based organisation with a
£1 per annum fee, entirely run by volunteers. The not for
profit organisation offers facilities for films and events you
won't find at other venues around Newcastle. There is also a social
space and bar.
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