Main image: theCUT
There’s no doubt that Newcastle is a party city; don’t just take our word for it, ask the thousands of people who descend on the city on any given night, all enjoying live music, performance and clubbing experiences in world-class venues.
When it comes to clubbing, the scene has moved on from hordes of ravers shivering on the Quayside (a perhaps unfair regional stereotype), and the city is now known as a place to see top name DJs and live performers in venues which are as unique as they are exciting. So if you’re planning a big night out in Newcastle, here’s a few clubbing hotspots to ensure your night goes off with a bang!
Digital, Times Square
No matter your music of choice, Digital has got you covered. There’s always something interesting going on at this club, located in the always-happening area of Times Square and the Pink Triangle. On Mondays you’ll find Kandi Island, where sweet sounds could include the latest cheesy hits; Thursdays are given over to the Hypersonic Missiles indie night; FeralFridays is hosted both Digital and ThinkTank?, and is the perfect student blow-out; while DVOTION on Saturdays features four rooms of drum and bass, house and techno, clubland tunes and bassline bounce. The venue also hosts regular big-name club DJs too, including the likes of Chase & Status, LF System, Shy FX and Darren Styles.
Tup Tup Palace, St Nicholas’ Street
Boutique club TupTup is full of gorgeous décor and cool vibes. Known for its special VIP experiences which can include your very own dancefloor and deluxe booths, Tup Tup is the place to be for a chic night out. Strut your stuff at LoveDough every Tuesday, playing a mix of hip-hop, R&B and Afrobeat; new event Jungle plays the very best rap, hip-hop and more every Thursday; Friday is an epic party night over two floors; Pandora’s Box on Saturday promises a night of artistic illusions and musical infusions; while Sunday night is dedicated to Persistence, playing hip-hop, Motown classics, commercial and vocal house and much more.
Greys Club, Grey Street
One of the finest party spots in town, Greys Club is home to Oops Mondays, which offers disco fun every week and a packed dancefloor is pretty much guaranteed. You’ll also find Block Party on Fridays, with five rooms stacked with house, techno, hip-hop, garage and party bangers. The club’s alleyways sparkle at night, bedecked in fairy lights, making your queue or cigarette break a little more twinkly!
The Lofts, Newgate Street
Another city favourite, this super-club has played host to big name DJs and regularly packs out its three rooms with fully immersive sound and light shows. On Fridays you’ll get a masterclass in electronic music, with deeper cuts of underground house, minimal and techno; while Saturday belongs to hedonistic New York-style party Bliss. Located next to The Gate, and with a tonne of great pre-club spots on its doorstep, The Lofts makes for a well-rounded night out.
World Headquarters, Carliol Square
Newcastle’s longest running underground club deserves its reputation as an inclusive, forward-thinking and fun-loving space, run by people who genuinely care about the music and events they put on. A haven for clubbers, lovers and dancers, you might expect to find all flavours of music to shake your stuff to, and promoters including Lively Up, Ape-X and SoulJam bring A-list artists alongside local residents on a regular basis.
Studio, Hood Street
Basement venue Studio has an underground vibe, with dancefloor smashers spanning old skool R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, garage and more. On Friday nights things get Loco, with 90s tunes and house classics all night long.
Howlers, Collingwood Street
If you’re fed up of being a grown-up, head to Howlers and dive into their legendary ball pit, which adds a bit of daftness to any night. Howlers promise a wild and riotous night out, where pretty much anything goes! Start the day right on Saturdays with their bottomless brunch offers, which rapidly turn feral in the form of crowd karaoke, themed bingo and loads more.
One of the city’s favourite alternative inner-city club spaces, theCUT is a hot prospect indeed, and it’s not uncommon to find pop and rock stars strutting their stuff on the dancefloor after performing in the city. Rebel Thursdays offer up legendary rock and roll anthems all night long; Fridays belong to indie bangers Jukebox; while Saturday’s Dragnet sends disco, electro, funk, soul and hip-hop vibes through the club.
Market Shaker, Cloth Market
A relative newbie on the scene, this Instagrammable bar and dancehall even has a garden for laidback chilling out in between all that dancefloor action. You can enjoy craft beer and cocktails, and boogie to everything from funk, soul and disco to massive anthems. Supreme slice slingers Scream For Pizza add a foodie edge to proceedings.
Sinners, Newgate Street
Forget dancing on the ceiling, Sinners has dancing in a cage! This notorious trebles bar is an "anything goes" kind of place, with a wild atmosphere and a huge variety of dancefloor anthems on the stereo.
Powerhouse, Westmorland Road
The sprawling Powerhouse is a mecca for party goers of all kinds. Located in the so-called Pink Triangle around Times Square, it’s an LGBTQ+ friendly spot and attitude-free zone, with a legendary atmosphere and massive nights every week. The city’s longest running student night, Rewind, takes place on Mondays; Fridays belong to Project Friday, where you’ll hear mash-up anthems and bounce classics; Saturday is dedicated to PHUK, where you can expect a huge party including big production, lasers and lights and a massive sound system playing the best commercial house, dance, pop and cheese. Bust a few moves of your own on their dance podiums!
So whether you’re looking for a classy night out with your pals, or a raucous dancefloor rager, Newcastle has something for you!
