Classical music in the Fish Quay’s oldest building, a professional wrestling show in the Linskill Centre, an indie icon in North Shields, and world-class folk and rock gigs.
These are just some of the highlights still to come as part of the Mouth of the Tyne Festival Collective, a series of special spin-off events from the main festival.
The Collective is bringing some stellar shows to a range of coastal venues, supported by North of Tyne Combined Authority.
During January and February, a programme of three classical concerts will be held at the historic Old Low Light Heritage Centre on North Shields Fish Quay. Renowned classical musicians will perform a varied repertoire ranging from popular favourites to baroque pieces on cello, harp, violin, harpsichord and piano. A full list of dates are below.
At Laurels, Whitley Bay, a stage adaptation of The Watch House by Robert Westall, a funny, spooky adventure with a mad pony, disco vicars and chilling ghosts runs till 23rd December.
Just before the kids go back to school, there’s a chance to see North Wrestling’s SlamFest ’24, a blend of comedic and hard-hitting professional wrestling at the family-friendly Linskill Centre in North Shields on 5th January.
Folk fans can enjoy Skipper’s Alley singer and multi-instrumentalist John Francis Flynn at The Exchange on 23rd January, supported by Hector Gannet and Maius Mollis.
Looking ahead, Maximo Park’s Paul Smith heads an incredible line-up of performers at the inaugural Coastal Crawl event on 17th February, split between North Shields venues The Engine Room, Three Tanners Bank and Salt Market. The Engine Room and Three Tanners Bank will also host shows and workshops from music legends Tom Robinson and Bernard Butler that month (currently sold out).
And just confirmed is Drumdin’s Samba Weekend at Rockcliffe First School and Cullercoats Crescent Club, 24-25 February, featuring workshops and live performances.
Launched back in October, audiences have already enjoyed DJ Yoda’s ‘50 years of Hip Hop’ audio visual celebration at Salt Market Social, North Tyneside Ukulele Festival at Cullercoats Crescent Club, dance theatre production Roma from North Shields based choreographer Anthony Lo-Giudice at the Exchange, an evening of music, art, film and a performance of ‘Her’ at the Globe Gallery and shows from local musicians Andrew Cushin and Liam Fender.
Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside and Cabinet Member for regeneration and economic development, said: “Our brilliant events team work hard all year round to bring an excellent programme of entertainment for the people of North Tyneside, and the Mouth of the Tyne Festival Collective is no exception.
“These world-class events help keep the spirit of the festival going throughout the year, taking it into a wide range of local venues, and letting them share in the benefits of its success.
“More and more often I’m hearing people say they can do everything they want to in their leisure time right here in North Tyneside, without having to travel elsewhere, and that is great news for our local economy.
“It all helps to make North Tyneside a great place to live, work and visit.”
Old Low Light Heritage Centre director Guy Moody said: “We’re so pleased to be able to bring this winter programme of classic music performances with very welcome support from the Mouth of the Tyne Festival Collective.
“Once again we are working with local musicians David and Jennifer Murray who are passionate about bringing top quality classical music close to home at a reasonable cost in challenging times.
“All the classic concerts will be introduced by the performers to give audiences a deeper understanding of the music they are listening to.”
The Old Low Light Heritage Centre concerts are:
Friday 19 January at 7.30pm - Sarah Paterson, harp and Jeremy Harbottle, cello
A very varied programme, mixing classical repertoire with more popular favourites from the modern era. Tickets £15pp.
Friday 2 February at 7.30pm - John Treherne MBE, harpsichord, and Gordon Dixon, cello
Baroque pieces featuring cello and harpsichord duos, but also leaving room for some solo harpsichord items. Tickets £15pp.
Friday 9 February at 7.30pm - violinist Bradley Creswick, accompanied on the piano by David Murray
Baroque and classical repertoire, ending with Bradley’s now famous virtuosic Hungarian encores. Tickets £15pp.
