Tourism and travel

If you’re looking for a fireworks display that packs a punch, head down to City Stadium park on 5th November for an explosive evening organised by the Ouseburn Community Centre.

This ever-popular event is put on free of charge for local people to enjoy, so it’s no wonder that it always draws a crowd! This year, the event opens at 6pm, with the fireworks beginning at 6.30pm. The event will wrap up at around 7pm, so it’s ideal for young families who can’t stay out late.

The area known as the City Stadium is actually a grassy area at the foot of Warwick Street, on the fringe of Heaton and Byker. The park is accessible by bus, and is also a 15-20 minute walk from both Byker and Manors Metro stations.

Back in 1961, plans were proposed for this area to be used as a sports stadium for the Empire Games of 1966. The plans never came to fruition, although the area still grew to be known as City Stadium, and these days it’s a pleasant green space for the local community. The Ouseburn river flows deep beneath the park, and a monument to this can also be found at City Stadium, so be sure to check it out next time you’re nearby on a sunny day!

It may be winter outside but Blue Reef Aquarium is open all year (closed Christmas Day only) and you are guaranteed a warm welcome – whatever the weather!

With naturally themed tropical displays and underwater walk through tunnels, the aquariums are an oasis of light and colour, even on the darkest days. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of a bustling coral reef, it’s easy to forget the winter blues and imagine yourself basking in the sunshine of another perfect tropical day! And what better day to relax and unwind than to watch graceful Black Tip sharks glide effortlessly by or hundreds of brightly coloured reef fish go about their daily lives.

Our winter exhibition brings together an eclectic mix of contemporary art, craft and design work from more than 200 artists. Headlining this season is wildlife painter Georgina McMaster who, on previous shows, has sold out her collection. Her new body of work features beautiful oil paintings of birds, stags, hares and reindeer, among others.

Other highlights this season include North East artist Malcolm Teasdale whose work takes inspiration from the local area's industrial heritage; Cornish artist and printmaker Trevor Price who specialises in drypoint and etchings; and sculptor Ann Decker, who is influenced by architecture and natural geometry.

This winter, we also launch a new collaboration with Craft Scotland and will be showcasing the works of eight designer-makers who live and work in Scotland. From jewellery and scarves to cushions and other decorative homewares - our Craft Scotland exhibition space promises to bring an inspirational twist to your gallery experience.

In addition, as part of the North East wide Drawing? programme, we present powerful linocuts by recent RA Summer Show exhibitor Ade Adesina as well as Drawing the Line; a selected collection of gallery art works displaying the variety of forms drawing can take.

Join us for our Christmas coffee morning.

Songs, stories and rhymes for little ones under 5.

Monthly art and crafts market held on second Saturday of each month. Look forward to over 20 of the region's best artists, designers and crafters inside two rooms in the heart of Jesmond Dene. One room is next to the gift shop and the other room is above the cafe in adjoining Millfield House. The market is on the second Saturday of every month, 10am till 3.30pm.

Join us as we celebrate Christmas with festive food, readings and poems.

Come along to St Mary’s to join in our cracker of a night – even Santa may pop in this year! Our usual suspects are back with this year’s Christmas evening including Ednie Wilson, Anthea Lang and Malcolm Grady with other special guests who will all, in their various ways, delight and entertain you!

Join us for fun Christmas activities. Suitable for children aged 5 - 11.

Join the Friends of Central Library for a Christmas coffee morning with carol singing from local children.