Full line-up announced for The Late Shows 2024

The Late Shows will return in May 2024 on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May.

The free after-hours culture crawl facilitated by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and sponsored by Creative Central NCL - will feature over 60 Newcastle and Gateshead music and performance venues, art studios, galleries and museums hosting fun and intriguing events in addition to five new artist commissions.

The five brand new artist commissions, supported by Creative Central NCL will be hosted at The Common Room, Dance City, Grainger Market with two at Blackfriars. Each commission is inspired by the location, be that the environment, its heritage or its archives and collections.

• Multimedia artist Emma Tominey will present an AR Art Trail through The Common Room, overlaying digital artworks on existing portraits to bring art alive!
• At Blackfriars, Dearest Haley brings the history of the 13th century building to life with on-the-spot micro-poems, alongside performers, writers and composers, Tim Dalling, Jeremy Bradfield and Faye MacCalman who present The Ballad of Blackfriars, a video projection plus immersive soundscape and a ballad-song to chart the history of the city.
• Artist Theresa Poulton celebrates the African American dance, choreographer, and activist Pearl Primus with a large-scale installation at Dance City.
• Digital artists Multiminded with illustrator Deborah Snell use projection mapping to animate the Grainger Market, imagining what happens when everyone has gone home.

Vikki Leaney, Project Manager for Creative Central NCL and Economic Development Officer at Newcastle City Council said:

“We’re really pleased to partner with The Late Shows and excited to see our five new commissions come to life in four Creative Central NCL venues. All of the artists have been heavily inspired by the place in which their work will be hosted, and that’s what Creative Central is all about – finding creative ways for people to experience the city in a brand new way, to uncover new stories or be surprised by the hidden heritage of the city centre.”

The two-day event – (2024 is its 16th year) is a well-established part of the cultural calendar in the North East, and allows participants to curate their own experience from the vast choice on offer.

Bill Griffiths Head of Programmes & Collections at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said:

"We're delighted to announce the programme for The Late Shows 2024. This popular event is a fantastic way to explore the vibrant cultural scene in Newcastle and Gateshead. We're thrilled to be partnering with Creative Central NCL to showcase the 60+ venues taking part in 2024 and the five exciting artist commissions across Creative Central NCL venues. The Late Shows promises a weekend of unique after-hours experiences - we can't wait to see you there."

The event will take place on Friday 17 May in the Ouseburn (6-10.30pm) and on Saturday 18 May it will be in venues across Gateshead (6-10pm) and central Newcastle 6-10.30pm).

A selection of the programme for 2024:

Friday 17 May – Ouseburn only

• The Biscuit Factory invites you to ROOTED featuring a pop-up eco-bookshop, live painting, a photography exhibition, a sustainable clothing pop-up, and artist Laura Pedley's solo show.
• Support Music v Cancer at Flea Circus with live music, DJ sets, and a chance to own signed art prints by resident artist Dan McBean (Mr Watson Design).
• Explore the history of Christ Church, enjoy music and circus performances, try a new skill, and meet the resident arts organisations.
• The Find discover "Moon Light Guide Night" - an installation by artist Yvette Ja featuring map folding, origami, paper cutting, and bookbinding.

Saturday 18 May – Gateshead

• Shipley Art Gallery will host a night of crafting, live music, and takeaway art creation led by Gateshead creatives.
• Explore the historic structure of Dunston Staiths, enjoy panoramic Tyne views, and attend heritage talks at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm (weather permitting).
• Get creative with printmaking, embroidery, and badge-making workshops at Gateshead Riverside Partnership. Enjoy live music afterwards.
• ‘People and Place’ is a thematic exhibition that brings together creative work by students from Gateshead College, Newcastle University, and Northumbria University alongside artists drawn from Orbis Community (High Street) and (West Street) and those working with Vane gallery.

Saturday 18 May – Newcastle

• Let loose at the Great North Museum: Hancock with giant inflatables – a fun experience for both children and adults.
• Dive into a world of light at the Discovery Museum with a thrilling game of Laser Tag in Science Maze and other illuminating activities.
• Explore the Grainger Market after dark with an interactive projection mapping display by Multiminded and Deborah Snell.
• Delve into Blackfriars' past through micro-poetry performances by Dearest Haley or an immersive video-ballad by Tim Dalling, Jeremy Bradfield, and Faye MacCalman.
• Learn about African American dance pioneer Pearl Primus through artist Theresa Poulton's vibrant painting at Dance City.
• The Common Room will be transformed by multimedia artist Emma Tominey's augmented reality art trail, where historical figures come to life.
• Learn about the rich history of African lives in Northern England with guided walks starting at Newcastle City Library.
• Learn about industry, mapping, and celestial navigation while creating art inspired by the new exhibition Turner: Art, Industry and Nostalgia at Laing Art Gallery.
• Head to the Farrell Centre to explore urban planning or participate in marble run building or block printing workshops.