Narc. Magazine Online
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An abundance of cultural activities are on offer
Image: NewBridge Books
Friday 29th January sees Pilgrim Street, Market Street and New Bridge Street West’s creative and cultural organisations open late for their Creative Quarter Block Party. So named because the 18 organisations involved call the same city centre block their home, the party will see creative groups programming a wide variety of events.
With the East Pilgrim Street area set to eventually form part of one of the largest development projects that Newcastle has seen for decades, with real estate developers the Reuben Brothers planning for the space to hold shops, offices, accommodation and leisure facilities, the past few years have seen the buildings inhabited by cultural organisations and social enterprises who have turned the once disused area into a vibrant cultural hub.
There’s a huge range of events being held as part of the Block Party, offering an abundance of cultural activities. Highlights include a brand new offering from dance company FRESH North East at Space Six, music from Haytham and Yoko Pwno at Alphabetti Theatre, and a video game workshop from Nosebleed Interactive. New installations at Abject Gallery and The Globe Gallery will tempt art lovers, and with each venue just a short walk from the next, audiences will be able to experience a night jam-packed with the North East’s best cultural offerings. Conclude your jaunt at ¡VAMOS! Social where you can throw some shapes to late night music. The best part? It’s all free!
As part of the celebrations, The NewBridge Project are welcoming in the New Year with a special big sale event from dysfunctional art collective JAMBON. Consisting of 2009 Northumbria graduates – Graeme Durant, Andrew Maughan, Mike Pratt and Andrew Sandercock – JAMBON will provide visitors with the chance to purchase artworks from some of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists at affordable prices. This event runs as part of JAMBON’s Biggest Ever January Sale, which runs from Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th January. Visitors should make sure that they have their wallet handy as the sales are cash only.
Creative Quarter Block Party takes place on Friday 29th January.
