Creatives are preparing to take over Newcastle and Gateshead for two evenings as The Late Shows acquire the city’s art and music venues for two nights of performances, pop-up exhibitions and immersive shows.

The Late Shows is an award-winning, free, late-night culture crawl that takes in the best that Newcastle’s creative industries have to offer. This year, the popular event takes place on the 19th and 20th May.

During the evenings, museums, galleries, studio collectives and heritage venues come together to offer one-off events including behind-the-scenes tours, performances and parties. By moving through Newcastle and Gateshead, visitors can sample the best of the city’s cultural offer in short taster visits.

Free buses takes visitors between venues, ensuring the experience is accessible for everyone.

The Late Shows began in 2007 and has grown considerably since. In 2022, more than 40 venues took part in the 2-day event, interacting with thousands of visitors through unique cultural activities.

The main objective of the event is to encourage people to visit a cultural venue they may not have visited before and to attract a younger audience to new venues.

From 7pm-11pm, the city will come alive with visitors enjoying 15 minute activities or performances at venues such as Victoria Tunnel, Cobalt Studios and the newly opened Farrell Centre, an art space located opposite the Great North Museum.

Glowing silk paintings, live music and marble rollercoasters are some of the creative things on offer to interact with and enjoy.

Food and drink will be available at locations along the routes, including Full Circle Brew Co. in Hoults Yard, Mosaic Tap under the railway arches and Hotel du Vin.

Newcastle Castle will be recreating a medieval tavern, serving up drinks in the cellar of the historic Castle Keep.

With many of the events family friendly, The Late Shows are accessible for families of all ages, allowing young people to interact with art and culture across the city.

All events are free to enjoy, but some require booking in advance in order to keep to a safe number in small venues such as Victoria Tunnel.

The route is available as a physical map offered to visitors along the route by volunteers, or on their website https://thelateshows.org.uk/