April 2025: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle

In Conversation: Mari Hannah and Jessica Irena Smith @ Newcastle City Library

To celebrate World Book Night this April, Newcastle City Library welcome local crime writers Mari Hannah (Her Sister’s Killer) and Jessica Irena Smith (The Night of the Crash) to talk about their latest novels. They’ll be discussing where their inspiration comes from, and what they’ve been reading lately, before a fascinating Q&A. Feel inspired to get reading more? Books will be available to purchase on the night too!

Thursday 17th April 2025, Free although booking is required

St. James’ Park Rooftop Tours @ Newcastle United Football Club

April also sees the return of the rooftop tours at St. James’ Park! Guests will get suited and booted with a high-vis jacket, helmet and binoculars before heading 150 feet above the ground to take in this treat of a Tyneside view. Afterwards, you’ll call in pitch-side and enjoy a rare perspective of the stadium from the dugout. Sounds like a pretty good way to celebrate the Magpies’ Carabao Cup win, if you ask us.

From Saturday 5^th April 2025, From £25 per person

(Image: St. James Park, Newcastle, England, United Kingdom, Photo/Map: Arne Müseler / arne-mueseler.com / CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Silverhand Estate Wine Dinner @ Dobson & Parnell

For dinner with a difference this April, head to Dobson & Parnell for their Silverhand Estate wine dinner. Hosted by Ellie Coleridge from the UK’s largest organic vineyard, you’ll enjoy a five-course menu carefully crafted to enhance pairings from the Silverhand Estate wine collection. Perfect whether you’re a foodie fanatic, or fancy yourself a vino connoisseur.

Thursday 17^th April 2025, From £95 per person

The Gruffalo @ Northern Stage

Meanwhile, Northern Stage is inviting families to adventure through the deep, dark wood with their magical musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic picture book The Gruffalo! Perfect for little ones aged three and above, as well as their grown-ups, kids will be fascinated by the creature with “knobbly knees, and turned-out toes, and a poisonous wart on the end of his nose”!

Tuesday 22^nd – Friday 25^th April 2025, From £13 per person

Sugababes @ Utilita Arena

Since reuniting in 2019, the original Sugababes line-up – Siobhan Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan – have gone Round Round the festival circuit but April 2025 sees their biggest tour to date. They’ll be bringing their Soul Sound to the Utilita Arena and are joined by special guests Rose Gray and Luna to get the party going. If you’re an OG fan (or not!) then you’ll want to Push the Button on those tickets.

Wednesday 16^th April 2025, Prices vary

Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival @ Northumbria University Students Union

Alternatively, why not raise a toast at Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival? Now in its 47^th year, this annual event champions great real ale and cider, with over a hundred beers and thirty ciders to try out! Plus, each ticket comes with a souvenir glass and beer tokens to get the pints flowing as soon as you’re through the door.

Wednesday 9^th – Saturday 12^th April 2025, From £21 per person

Newcastle Puppetry Festival @ Multiple venues

Another returning addition to the Toon’s festival calendar comes courtesy of Moving Parts Arts, who’ll be taking over the city with creatures great and small. There’s loads going on for Newcastle Puppetry Festival, so we’d suggest checking out their website for all the details, but you definitely won’t want to miss the Beasts on the Street and Toon Underground parade on Saturday 19^th April!

Saturday 19^th – Sunday 27^th April 2025, Prices vary

Pig Heart Boy @ Newcastle Theatre Royal

Newcastle Theatre Royal is all about powerful performances this April, with the arrival of Pig Heart Boy. Based on the novel by award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE, Winsome Pinnock’s adaptation follows thirteen-year old Cameron on his journey towards a heart transplant. Exploring themes of ethics, animal rights, othering and empathy, it promises to be a moving and thought-provoking production.

Tuesday 29^th April – Saturday 3^rd May 2025, From £10 per person

St. George’s Day Evening Tour @ Newcastle Castle

The lovely folk at Newcastle Castle, are inviting guests for a St. George's Day evening tour this April! You’ll enjoy an exclusive tour of the castle after-hours and be regaled with tales of great battles and ruthless lords by your expert guide before getting up-close with replica medieval weapons and armour! Plus, there’ll even be the chance to climb to the roof to see take in those breathtaking views across the city.

Wednesday 23^rd April 2025, From £15 per person

Battle of the Burger @ Wylam Brewery

For its 10^th anniversary, Battle of the Burger is set to be bigger and better than ever! This two-day affair will be jam-packed with good grub from the likes of Meat:Stack, Lola Jeans, Scott & Wilson and Wagyu Street Burgers – all cooking up a storm to be crowned the best burger in all the Toon. Plus, North Shore Coffee, Doughvine Desserts and Choco Cup (among others!) will be on-hand to satisfy any sweet-tooth taste buds.

Friday 18^th – Saturday 19^th April 2025, Prices vary

Whatever you fancy getting up to, there’s loads to keep you busy this April. Fingers crossed that the sun just keeps shining through it all…

Main image: Jabberwocky by Rag and Bone, Image courtesy Newcastle Puppetry Festival

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