Culture Digest 06.06.25
Our weekly round up of some of the arts and culture stories from across the North East, which caught our attention over the past seven days
North East to roll out the red carpet for gala screening of 28 Years Later
A regional gala screening of 28 Years Later, the latest chapter in the acclaimed dystopian film series, which was filmed all over the North East, will take place at Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema on Thursday, June 19.
Announced this week (June 5) by North East Screen, Destination North East England, and the North East Combined Authority, the screening will be attended by the film’s Oscar and BAFTA-winning director, Danny Boyle and Newcastle-native actor Alfie Williams who makes his feature film debut in the production.
The event promises to recognise and celebrate the region’s starring role in the much-anticipated film and will see many members North East crew, extras, and location providers also walking the red carpet.
Goodbye to the North East Culture Partnership
The North East Culture Partnership (NECP) is to be wound up on July 1.
A forum for those working in the arts and heritage and a driver of best practice, it was established in 2013 by the Association of North East Councils.
This week’s formal announcement (on Wednesday, June 4) was trailed in a briefing letter from NECP co-chair Jane Robinson, pro-vice chancellor of engagement and place at Newcastle University.
Closure comes 10 years after the upbeat launch - at Durham Castle and in the Houses of Parliament - of the NECP’s Case for Culture, formulated as a statement of ambition for the 15 years up to 2030.
North Shields gallery honours local Plasticine inventor
The Globe Gallery’s Plasticine project has been simmering for decades but is now proceeding apace with an exhibition planned for September as part of North Shields’ 800th anniversary celebrations.
Mega find at Magna: giant footprint of the past
Evidence has emerged of Northumberland’s very own ‘Bigfoot’ during a dig at a Roman fort near Hadrian’s Wall.
The excavations by teams of volunteers are investigating defensive ditches at the little-explored Magna fort, which is also the site of the Vindolanda Trust’s Roman Army Museum.
And the latest find has seen one occupant of the fort walk into the history books as one of his shoes was discovered in a ditch.
Events programme for Magna Carta 800th anniversary unveiled
Durham Cathedral has unveiled a wide-ranging programme of events to accompany its summer exhibition of three rare Magna Cartas, celebrating the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue.
From July 11, alongside the display in the Cathedral Museum, visitors will be able to enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, family trails, interactive installations, and thought-provoking talks and debates, all designed to bring the legacy of Magna Carta to life for modern audiences.
The cathedral’s new events schedule spans July to November, inviting people of all ages to dive deeper into the historic documents' relevance and the broader social and cultural themes they inspire. Timed slots can also be booked to enable visitors to get up close to the historic exhibits.
Plucky pit loco returns to North East tracks
A steam locomotive described as a “plucky survivor” from the days when collieries covered the North East is to return to the region.
Miners’ Picnic a chance for commemoration and fun
Preparations for this year’s Northumberland Miners’ Picnic are well underway and it’ll take something drastic to stop it.
The event was first held in 1864 at Blyth Links and it has been a fixture in the county’s calendar ever since – apart from during the two world wars, the strikes of 1921, 1926 and 1984, the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 and the Covid pandemic which put paid to 2020 and 2021.
But with nothing of that sort on the near horizon, organisers are confident this year’s Picnic will amount to a great day out at Woodhorn Museum on Saturday, June 14 (10am to 5pm).
Northern Stage announces a new chief executive
Michael Slavin has been appointed as the new chief executive of Northern Stage in a restructuring of the leadership team at the region’s largest producing theatre.
When he joins in October, he will work “in close partnership” with artistic director Natalie Ibu, according to a statement released by Northern Stage.
“Together,” it adds, “they will steer the organisation through its next stage of development, strengthening its role as a beacon for creativity, community and cultural life in the North East.”
North East soundtrack for The Bench
If you’re catching The Bench on tour (read our review, here), don’t miss the music that comes with it.
The team behind the play has pulled together an excellent Spotify playlist, curated by Wilf Stone, that’s packed with tracks from North East artists like Martha Hill, Finn Forster, Paige Temperley, Hannabiell and Richard Dawson. Lovely stuff.
Theatre goers will be able to relax in their very own ‘Green Room’
Newcastle Theatre Royal has announced the name of its new public bar: The Green Room.
Located in the former DatBar on Market Street, the venue is set to open later this summer. Open daily, it will offer a relaxed space for audiences and the wider public to connect, unwind, and reflect.
The name honours both the traditional backstage retreat for performers and the theatre’s historic designers, John and Benjamin Green.
Anyone interested in working in The Green Room should visit the recruitment section on the theatre website.
River restoration to reshape Northumberland waterway
In one of the biggest river restoration projects of its kind in England, a special Northumberland waterway will be returned to its natural state.
Baby goat is Kynren’s latest star
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England has welcomed a new - and incredibly cute - cast member.
Snowdrop, a British Saanen goat (named via social media so let’s be grateful we’re not talking about Kiddy McGoatface) has unsurprisingly already captured the hearts of the cavalry team with her “playful spirit” as she starts training for this summer’s programme of open air shows in Bishop Auckland.
Audiences, who will be able to attend performances from July 19 to September can look out for Snowdrop in scenes including the Georgian Harvest Festival.
County Durham celebrates volunteers and calls for Lumiere sign-ups
As part of Volunteers’ Week (June 2-8), Durham County Council has celebrated the thousands of people who give their time to support local events, including the Lumiere light festival, which returns in November.
A series of thank-you events across the county - including walking and running join ups, a picnic and buffet, and an event at Locomotion in Shildon - were organised to recognise the vital role volunteers play in cultural life and community wellbeing.
They also served as a launch pad for the council’s recruitment drive for Lumiere Durham 2025.
New volunteers are being invited to sign up for at least one four-hour shift. Past volunteer Lynne Heasman described it as “fun, rewarding and unforgettable” and a a unique way to experience one of the UK’s most popular light festivals.
For more information about how to apply to volunteer at Lumiere and find out about other volunteering opportunities in the county, visit durham.gov.uk